Fargo Cass Public Health Commemorates National Mammography Day with Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness Event

Fargo Cass Public Health Commemorates National Mammography Day with Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness Event

Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) will commemorate National Mammography Day, Friday, October 18, with a 'Fall Health Blitz', scheduled from noon - 4 p.m. The event encourages community members to stay up to date with important preventative screenings as well as recommended immunizations.

10/02/202410:00 a.m.

Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) will commemorate National Mammography Day, Friday, October 18, with a 'Fall Health Blitz', scheduled from noon - 4 p.m. The event encourages community members to stay up to date with important preventative screenings as well as recommended immunizations. The 'Fall Health Blitz' will feature the Women's Way breast and cervical cancer screening program where attendees will be able to take part in eligibility screening for Women's Way. During the same event, flu shots will be available on a walk-in basis for everyone age 6 months or older, along with additional FCPH services such as blood pressure checks, free Narcan kits and tobacco cessation resources.

Chelsey Olander, FCPH Women's Way coordinator says, "Early detection with a mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Women's Way can help by providing early screening services for women who meet our program guidelines." According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Mammograms can detect cancer up to 1.7 years before a lump may be felt.

'Fall Health Blitz' details:
• Friday, October 18, noon - 4 p.m.
• Location: Fargo Cass Public Health, 1240 25th Street South, Fargo
o Signage will direct participants to specific resources and events
• Activities will include:
o Eligibility screening for Women's Way breast and cervical cancer screening program
o Walk-in flu shots will be available for everyone 6 months +
Individuals should bring health insurance or Medicaid information
No one will be turned away for not having insurance
High-dose flu vaccine will be available for those age 65 +
COVID-19 vaccine will be available
o Blood pressure checks
o Free Narcan kits and demonstration of its use
o Tobacco cessation assessments
o Family Planning clinic resources and services

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but specific risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including being a woman, being older than 50, a family history of breast cancer and personal history of breast cancer. While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, lifestyle choices such as limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and eating a balanced diet may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Women's Way eligibility guidelines:
• North Dakota resident
• Ages 21 - 39 for women with breast symptoms (lump) or at high risk for breast cancer
• Ages 21 - 64 for those who are due for a Pap test, or need breast or cervical diagnostic procedures
• Does not have insurance or has insurance that doesn't cover mammograms and/or Pap tests or cannot afford to pay her deductible and/or co-payments
• Meet income guidelines found here: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/women/womens-way/eligible