KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Next Wednesday, as part of local Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day activities, community partners are coming together to promote health screenings for African American women over 40 years of age. The event will include mammograms, clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, pap test and blood pressure checks that will be provided at a reduced cost for women who qualify.
The community event will be held at:
Women are encouraged to call to schedule an appointment for this event: 206-709-7407.
“These screenings provide an opportunity for women in King County who otherwise might not have the available financial resources,” said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Early detection of cancer is the best means of protection for women.”
African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than other groups. Though breast cancer incidence rate is 37% higher in white women, breast cancer mortality rate is 67% higher in African American women.
For women age 40 and over, Public Health recommends:
- breast self exam every month
- clinical breast exam, Pap test and pelvic exam every year
- mammogram every 1 to 2 years
If cost or lack of insurance is a problem, all women can call 1-800-756-5437 and ask about the Breast and Cervical Health Program, to see if they qualify for a free or low-cost health exam and mammogram.
This event is organized by the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services, the Center for Multicultural Health, Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center, YWCA Women’s Health Outreach Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Swedish Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Center/Providence Campus, Komen Foundation and the Washington State Breast & Cervical Health Program.
For more information on the Breast and Cervical Health Program, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/women/bchp.htm. For more information on Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, visit: www.healthgap.omhrc.gov.
