MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Breast cancer is a dangerous disease, with more than 1,300 women expected to be diagnosed in West Virginia in 2012. As the fight against breast cancer continues, West Virginia communities are coming together to spread the word about prevention and early detection.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and West Virginia is recognizing this special month with a variety of activities. Locally, the Berkeley County Council proclaimed October as National Breast Cancer Awareness at their meeting on Thursday, October 4.
Representatives from West Virginia University Hospitals-East, the American Cancer Society, and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program were in attendance to accept the proclamation.
The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Currently, the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for women starting at the age of 40.
West Virginia University Hospitals-East is offering discounted mammogram clinics each Saturday in October at both City Hospital in Martinsburg and Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Ranson. The discounted fee for the screening mammogram and interpretation is $60 (no insurance accepted - cash, credit card or check only).
The screening mammograms are open to women 35 and older and a physician’s order is not required. Patients without a physician will be assigned one to receive the test results. For more information or to register, call City Hospital at 304.264.1297 or Jefferson Memorial Hospital at 304.724.5647.