EFFINGHAM COUNTY -- The Effingham County Health Department will offer free breast exams and mammogram referrals by appointment from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Oct. 6 for women who meet certain eligibility guidelines. 

The event will take place at the health department located at 802 Ga. Hwy 119 South in Springfield and is being held in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman after skin cancer. It is estimated that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

“Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early,” said Coastal Health District Women's Health and Adult Health Coordinator Mary Ellen Smith, MSN, WHNP BC. “The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.”

Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are 40-64 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive breast exams and mammogram referrals at no cost as part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). BCCP provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening for women who may not otherwise have the means to access such services.

Door prizes will be given to everyone receiving a breast exam at the Oct. 6 screening event (while supplies last).

For more information on BCCP, visit gachd.org/bccp. 

To schedule an appointment for a breast exam, call the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484.