Urges Women: Make an Appointment Soon–October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(Queens, NY) On Friday, September 27, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., in collaboration with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF), is sponsoring a no-cost Mobile Mammography Van with staff from Multi-Diagnostic Services (MDS), parked outside the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, 56-18 69th St., Maspeth (parking lot, upper level). Uninsured women ages 50 and over—as well as insured women ages 40 and over—are urged to have a no-cost screening for cancer and clinical breast exam. This is the 12th free mammography event the senator has organized for women in his district since October 2008. An appointment is necessary; call toll free 1-877-628-9090.
Explains Senator Addabbo, “We know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Once again, I worked with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to bring their Mammogram Van to my district, offering no-cost, vital health care services for uninsured women ages 50 and over, and for women ages 40 and over who are insured by Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, which will be billed for services. Women may be turned away by AICF either if they have had a mammogram in the past year, or if under age 40 and they are without a medical prescription/referral from their primary care physician.”
For women without insurance, services will be paid for by the Screening Partnerships of the NYS Cancer Services Program (NYS CSP) or through generous contributions by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s donors. “However, even insured women will not be charged a co-payment and will not receive a bill,” added the senator.
On the day of the Mammogram Van visit, women with Medicare, Medicaid, or other coverage provided by Medicare, Medicaid or almost any other health insurance, must bring their membership card. For more details about the NYS CSP, call 866-442-CANCER (2262).
On the day of your appointment for a no-cost mammogram screening:
- wear a two-piece outfit;
- please do not use any oil, powder, deodorant, or perfume in the breast, underarm or chest area;
- if you do have Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, you must bring your card with you.
In addition to a mammogram performed by a certified, licensed mammography technologist, professional medical services from Multi-Diagnostic Services (MDS) staff will include:
- clinical breast exam and instruction in breast self-exam by a trained professional
- radiological interpretations performed by Board Certified Radiologists
- results will be sent to each woman and/or her doctor within 10 business days (please provide MDS staff with full name, address to send results to the doctor)
- if you provide MDS staff with previous mammogram films, a comparison radiological study will be done, which in some cases eliminates the need for additional testing.
For more information about MDS, please call 1-877-628-9090.
Senator Addabbo notes, “Give yourself and your loved ones an early Breast Cancer Awareness Month gift by making that call for a no-cost exam. I want to thank all the generous donors who have funded these American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s Mobile Mammography screenings in my district: Avon Foundation Breast Health Outreach Program, National Breast Cancer Foundation, New York City Council, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and the New York State Department of Health.”
Visit Senator Addabbo online at: http://addabbo.nysenate.gov or “Senator Joe Addabbo” on Facebook.
