Beckley, WV (WOAY) October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as people across the nation wear their pink and display ribbons to raise awareness about early detection, Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital is making screenings more accessible with $50 mammograms during October. Director of Radiology Erica Hill says that ARH is trying to eliminate as many barriers as possible:
“Regardless of their income, whether they have insurance or not, we just want them to have access to this important screening. You don’t have to have insurance. You don’t have to have a physician’s order, anybody, as long as you call within the month of October, we honor that $50 special.”
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Department of Health, nearly 28% of women in the state, age 40 and above, had not had a mammogram in the past two years. The American Cancer Society recommends women at average risk start getting yearly mammograms at age 40.
“Women that potentially have a higher risk, whether it be genetics or family history—they may need to start sooner. But mammograms are about early detection. It’s very important. You don’t want to wait until you have something that needs checked.”
According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, making them less likely to need aggressive treatments and more likely to be cured.
“Mammograms are about early detection of breast cancer. So just don’t wait until you find something to get checked out; it only takes a few minutes. And those few minutes can potentially save your life. Like, just take the time for yourself today because early detection matters.”
To schedule your $50 mammogram during October, call 844-274-2722 or visit arh.org/womens-health to learn more.
