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Free and Affordable Cancer Screenings, Education Treatment and Support Groups Available
The Westchester County Department of Health and the Westchester County Office for Women are encouraging women and men to schedule their gynecologic and prostate cancer screenings with their healthcare providers this September. Uterine and ovarian cancers are a leading cause of death in women, and prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men. Scheduling a routine cancer screening can help detect cancer and precancerous changes early, making the disease much easier to treat or cure.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “While we cannot change our age or family history, we all should make time for routine cancer screenings. Early diagnosis and timely follow-up treatment is critical to surviving and thriving after a cancer diagnosis.”
The Health Department says it is also a good idea to discuss other prevention strategies with your healthcare provider. To reduce cancer risk, maintain a healthy weight and limit alcohol consumption. This benefits you and models a healthy lifestyle for your children. To protect your children, verify that they have not just started, but have completed the HPV vaccine series, because it is the only vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “I strongly encourage residents to put their health first by scheduling routine cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives, so please don’t delay your healthcare.”
Amler continued: “There are often no telltale symptoms of prostate cancer or ovarian cancer, which makes screening even more vital. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes in your body, such as postmenopausal bleeding, which can be a sign of uterine cancer. Early detection is key to the many new available treatments. Don’t skip your screenings for breast, gynecological and prostate cancers.”
Westchester County Office for Women Acting Director Catherine Borgia said: “We are very fortunate to live in a time when early detection and preventative care are available to women. As women, we best serve ourselves, our families and our community by taking care of our health.”
Important screenings for women include a Pap test for cervical cancer, a mammogram (often recommended with an ultrasound) for breast cancer, and a pelvic ultrasound for ovarian cancer (upon recommendation by your doctor if you have symptoms, family history or other risk factors). Men ages 55 to 69 should consult their doctor to determine if a Prostate Specific Antigen test is recommended.
Both women and men should consider genetic testing if they have a family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, and some may consider an HPV test. The HPV test screens for the Human Papillomavirus which causes six types of cancer, including cervical cancer and cancer of the genitals in males and females. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer). The HPV vaccine prevents transmission of the virus.
Free HPV vaccines are available for eligible adults and children, starting at age nine, at the County Health Department vaccination clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call (914) 995-5800 to learn if you qualify.
These organizations offer free support programs and services for cancer patients and their families:
For more health tips and cancer resources, go to www.westchestercountyny.gov/health. The Health Department can be reached at (914) 813-5000.
