Never Give Up Hope: The Fight Against Breast Cancer

Used for 2023 budget cover

About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Mammograms and self-exams are key to early detection. Mammograms can be used to look for breast cancer, either as a screening test in women without symptoms or in women who have signs that might be from breast cancer. A mammogram can often find or detect breast cancer early, when it’s small and even before a lump can be felt. This is when it’s likely to be easiest to treat.

If you are concerned about developing breast cancer, there are ways to reduce risk through lifestyle changes. To lower your risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Research has shown a higher risk of occurence after menopause when there is an increase in body weight.

  • Stay Active: Physical activity, even moderate, lowers your overall risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise each week. A brisk 30-minute walk just five days a week can be beneficial.

  • Limit or avoid alcohol: Research has shown alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. While there could be many reasons why, it has been proven that alcohol increases levels of estrogen and hormones associated with breast cancer.

Mecklenburg County’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) is a federally funded service that provides clinical breast exams, screening, and diagnostic mammograms as well as pap smears to uninsured and/ or underinsured women of Mecklenburg County. So far this year, BCCCP has serviced 133 women. Every month we provide mobile mammogram screening services at various community locations, increasing access for at-risk women. Eligibility Criteria:

  • Household income 250% of federal poverty level or less

  • No Medicaid / Medicare

  • Uninsured / Underinsured

  • No Mammogram and/or Pap test within the past year 

The Mecklenburg County Health Department appointment line opens at 7:30am daily. Call (704) 336-6500 to schedule an appointment. Calling as early as possible for an appointment will improve your chances of getting an appointment on the same day.

Check out page 4 for breast cancer screening opportunities.

Join us in wearing pink during the month of October to honor those whose lives were lost to breast cancer as well as honoring all survivors.