Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  June 1, 2006                     End Date:  June 30, 2006

Contact Person:  Dianna LaBonte, R.N., B.S.N.

                              Public Health Nurse Coordinator

                              Genesee County Health Department

Phone:  (810) 257-4571

Re:  Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness

Did you know that breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women?   According to the 2005 Michigan Public Health Institute’s Cancer Burden in Michigan Report, Genesee County is one of three counties in Michigan that has a significantly higher number of deaths due to breast cancer than other counties in Michigan . This is a sad fact when early detection increases five year survival rates to more than 92%. 

Mammograms can frequently detect cancer two years before a lump can be felt.  The Genesee County Health Department recommends yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms for women 40 and over.  All women age 20 and over need to perform monthly breast self exams.

Access to a life-saving test is simply a phone call away.  The Genesee County Health Department has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCCP) that offers FREE clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram and pap smear to women 40 and over who qualify.  If an abnormality is detected, the program will assist with diagnostic procedures.  If a woman is currently enrolled in the Breast and Cervical   Cancer Screening Program and the program diagnoses them with breast or cervical cancer, Medicaid may be given to help with treatment.  

BCCCP is an ongoing program and is for women 40 and over that are uninsured, underinsured and income qualified (i.e., a one person annual household income of $24,500.00 is income qualified).  This program is not county restricted and accepts Genesee Health Plan, Straight Medicaid and Medicare Part A only.  Right now, women who enroll and are screened through the Genesee County Health Department’s BCCCP during the month of June will receive a $10.00 Target gift card while supplies last.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545.

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