Event underscores importance of health screenings for African American women

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Next Saturday, as part of Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day, 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 and pap tests free of charge for women who qualify.

The community event will be held at:

Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center
2101 East Yesler, Seattle
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday September 22, 2007

Women are encouraged to schedule an appointment for this event by calling 206-436-8623.

“These health screenings provide an opportunity for women who otherwise might not have the financial resources,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Early detection of breast and cervical 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 one to two 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.

Saturday’s 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, Komen Foundation, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Washington State Breast & Cervical Health Program.

For more information on the Breast and Cervical Health Program, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/bchp.htm. For more information on Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day, visit: www.healthgap.omhrc.gov.

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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