CHA’s See, Test & Treat program to provide free cancer screenings

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), an academic community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north region, is offering free women’s health screenings. See, Test, & Treat, a free cervical and breast cancer screening program, funded through grants from the College of American Pathologists Foundation will take place on March 3, 2018, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at CHA Cambridge Hospital. The event features same-day test results, diagnoses and follow-up care for uninsured and underserved women between the ages of 21 and 65.

“The incidence of cervical and breast cancer among minority women is higher than that of the general population,” commented Rebecca Osgood, MD, CHA’s chief of pathology. “The See, Test & Treat program helps reduce such disparities by connecting women with care in their communities – care that speaks their language and understands their challenges. With regular screenings, these women can learn more about their unique risks, and we can detect cancers early, when the potential for survival is greatest.”

Women attending the program will undergo pelvic and breast exams, with a Pap test and mammogram if needed, to screen for early signs of cervical and breast cancer. Test results, physician consultations and follow-up care will be provided the same day. All patients will receive their results in a private setting and will be given information about follow-up treatment options, if necessary. Health education will be provided, and complimentary food, entertainment and children’s activities also will be available on site.

Women are asked to register for the See, Test & Treat program by calling 617-665-2475. Space is limited and sign up in advance is highly recommended.

Cambridge Health Alliance is an academic community health system committed to providing high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north communities. CHA has expertise in primary care, specialty care and mental health/substance use services, as well as caring for diverse and complex populations. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices and the Cambridge Public Health Dept. CHA patients have seamless access to advanced care through the system’s affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine.