Public Health's Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program offers free services

Moultrie Observer - 3/19/2017

March 18--ALBANY, Ga. -- Southwest Health District is offering a program for women 40 through 64 residing in Georgia that is aimed at reducing cases of breast and cervical cancer.

"Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States and Georgia," said Southwest Health District Women's Health Program Director Cynthia Walters. "Early detection is critical for both breast cancer and cervical cancer."

She said the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program was developed to help reduce the impact of breast and cervical cancer in Georgia by providing breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services and referral to treatment as medically indicated to uninsured and under-insured women with limited income residing in Georgia.

Services include:

--A physical exam

--Pap smear (as indicated)

--Pelvic exam

--Clinical breast exam

--Mammogram (as indicated)

--Referrals as required

"You have to be a Georgia resident but don't have to be a legal citizen to receive these services," Walters said.

There is no charge for services for women enrolled in the BCCP program.

"State and National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monies are used to fund this program," Walters said.

Women interested in taking part in the program, or seeking more information, should contact their local county health department.

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