Mammography Screenings Save Lives

Founded in 1985, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to increase awareness of the disease and educate people about the importance of early screening. Over the decades, many countries around the world joined the U.S. in promoting the importance of early detection through mammograms during the month of October.

While October is when many think about breast cancer screenings, of course any time of the year is right to have a potentially life-saving mammogram. Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton regularly sponsors free mammogram events, which are free to women 40 and older who do not have insurance. “I cannot stress enough how important annual mammograms are,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “No matter how busy our lives are, these exams are easy and fast. There is no excuse not to get them.” Mammograms are provided by trained Nassau University Medical Center staff and are done in the NUMC “mammo van,” which is a fully equipped screening facility. “Over the years that I’ve been sponsoring these events, we have received very positive feedback from community members. Most are impressed with the convenience and the professional staff.” DeRiggi-Whitton added.

For information on free mammographies and other health events sponsored by Legislator Deriggi-Whitton, contact her office at 516-571-6211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov.

In photos: The interior of the NUMC mammography van, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton with representatives of the Nassau County Medical Center and a mammography van.