Press Releases

City Public Hospitals and American Cancer Society Urge Women Over 40 to Get a Mammogram

In Recognition of Mother's Day, Public Hospitals Will Host Mammogram Awareness & Education Events in May

May 03, 2010

There has been much debate recently about how often women should get a mammogram, but the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and the American Cancer Society are joining forces this Mother’s Day to urge women over 40 to have a mammogram every year.
As part of HHC’s annual May mammogram awareness effort, the city’s public hospitals and the American Cancer Society are educating women about breast cancer and the importance of this cancer screening procedure. Throughout the month of May, HHC facilities will host special public education events to raise awareness about breast cancer screening and early detection. Women without health insurance can get a mammogram all year-round at any HHC hospital at little or no cost based on family size and income.
“Mammograms are the most important tool for early detection of breast cancer, and HHC hospitals and health centers are committed to promoting and providing this potentially lifesaving screening procedure at little or no cost,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles.
One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. A mammogram is the best method of detecting breast cancer at an early stage and improving rates of survival.
“We know that in the fight against breast cancer, early detection saves lives. But not everyone has adequate access to vital cancer screening services, especially in these challenging economic times,” said Heather Anderson, American Cancer Society Director of Health Systems Initiatives. “The ability to offer low- or no-cost mammograms and education to uninsured women during the May screening events will directly provide access to quality services that are needed and deserved in the fight against cancer.”
HHC will also partner with Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital to provide breast cancer screenings to low-income women without insurance on Staten Island.
“There has been much debate about how often a woman should get a mammogram. But there is little debate that the people in her life will be glad she did,” Aviles said. “Early detection saves lives.”
Individuals can call 311, visit the HHC’s website, www.nychhc.org/hhc, or call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 for a complete list of facilities that offer mammograms and other helpful health information this May.