Special to the Herald

Early detection is key to surviving breast and cervical cancer, and the Effingham County Health Department is encouraging women to get screened during a special event this month.

On Oct. 22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the health department will offer breast exams and cervical cancer screenings at no cost to qualifying women along with referrals for a free mammogram at a later date. The breast cancer screenings are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance, and the cervical cancer screenings are free for women aged 21-64 without health insurance. During the event, free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings will also be available, and all participants will receive goody bags and light refreshments.

“These screenings are real life savers, and we believe everyone should have access,” said Bethany Thornton, Nurse Manager of the Effingham County Health Department. “If you don’t have insurance and you need breast or cervical cancer screening, we want to help.”

For information about other breast and cervical cancer screening events happening around the Coastal Health District this October, click on www.coastalhealthdistirct.org/breastcancer.

Breast cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. However, many cancer deaths can be avoided through regular screening. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chance of survival is greatly increased.

Early detection for cervical cancer is also crucial because almost all cervical cancers are preventable. Regular screenings like pap smears can detect precancerous lesions, giving women a chance to begin treatment early when survival rates are highest.