Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues with National Mammography Day on Oct. 16

Erie County Department of Health reminds residents of importance of regular cancer screenings

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place for the entire month of October, and Friday, Oct. 16, marks National Mammography Day.

The Erie County Department of Health said, “Mammograms create a digital image that radiologists can use to detect early signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease that will affect one out of eight women in their lifetimes, and with early detection, there are more treatment options that are less invasive and have the potential for better outcomes.”

“Cost should not be a barrier for women seeking this vital service,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein said. “The Erie County Cancer Services Program will cover the cost for screening mammograms and associated diagnostic testing for women ages 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. Women under the age of 40 who are at high risk of breast cancer because of family history or other factors may also be eligible.”

Cancer Services Program Manager Michelle Wysocki said, “Our Cancer Services Program team answers phone calls and emails from Erie County residents every day about eligibility and our process. For National Mammography Day … we would like nothing more than to have our phones ringing off the hook with inquiries about how to get a mammogram scheduled through our program.”

More than 100 health care providers in Erie County are part of the Cancer Service Program’s network of facilities that provide mammograms and other cancer screenings.

Many radiology centers that provide mammography had to cancel or reschedule appointments because of COVID-related disruptions.

“Now is the time to get back on track with regular mammograms,” Burstein said. “Ask your physician about a recommended schedule for screening mammography, and if you are a female or male who notices breast changes, pain or discharge, talk to your doctor immediately.”

For National Mammography Day, the Cancer Services Program offers this list of Erie County health care providers that partner with our team to provide breast cancer screening services in multiple locations.

• Bertrand Chaffee Hospital
• Breast Screening Center
• Buffalo MRI
• Catholic Health
• Great Lakes Medical Imaging
• Kaleida Health
• Mobile Mammography with ECMC and Windsong
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Seton Imaging
• Southtowns Radiology
• Windsong Radiology
• WNY MRI
• Mobile Mammography services with both ECMC and Windsong Radiology

For more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “What is a Mammogram?”: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm
• Erie County Cancer Services Program: www.erie.gov/cancerservices or call 716-858-7376