Phoebe Health System offering free mammograms in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

ALBANY, Ga. – The Phoebe Health System is lending a hand to uninsured women throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As the health system will be issuing free mammograms during the month of October.

Throughout the month, they’ll be issuing 100 free mammograms at the main campus in Albany with an additional 50 at Phoebe’s Sumter Campus.

We spoke with Phoebe’s Breast Nurse Navigator about lending a hand.

“The more we do them, and their recommended every year, the earlier we will catch breast cancer, and be able to hopefully cure it. The earlier we catch it, the better the cure,” said Heather Culpepper, Breast Nurse Navigator, Phoebe Health System.

There are some criteria though for women to qualify to receive a free mammogram, such as being over 40, being uninsured, and have a referring physician to name a few.

And, issuing a mammogram to those who don’t have the insurance to cover it, and the health system is working tooth and nail to make it happen for uninsured women.

“We never want financial resources or lack thereof to become a problem for these patients in our community. Other than the free mammogram services we provide in October, there are also other avenues such as your county health departments in which we can tap into resources to help get that done,” said Culpepper.

But, even after the free mammograms have been administered, the Phoebe Health System wants to remind women everywhere about staying on top and checking for anything that feels out of place.

“Knowing your family history is so important. We’re doing a lot of genetic testing that can be done through our Carlton Breast Center, where you can be screened for that doing your self-breast exam every month. Getting a buddy to help remind you, putting a reminder on your calendar is great way to remember not only to check your breast and look in the mirror,” said Culpepper.

And, while Phoebe will be giving out free mammograms to uninsured women throughout October, they want all women in the area that if there is something is wrong to immediately call and schedule a mammogram.

If you qualify, you can contact the Phoebe Health System to schedule a mammogram at (229)-931-1375.

Brian Roche reporting.

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