Thursday, November 29, 2012

Free Mammograms Available in Woodhaven on December 1


Senator Addabbo poses with Multi-Diagnostic Services and American Italian Cancer Foundation staff during a mammography van visit to Woodhaven last year. (Click on image to enlarge.) 

Senator Addabbo: "Make an Appointment as a Holiday Gift to You and Your Family"

Queens, NY – On Saturday, December 1, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. in collaboration with the American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF), is sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography Van with staff from Multi-Diagnostic Services (MDS.

The van will be stationed outside the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Avenue, in Woodhaven.

Women ages 40 and over are urged to have a free screening for cancer and clinical breast exam. This is the 11th free mammography event the senator has coordinated for women in his district since October 2008. An appointment is necessary, so you are urged to place a toll free call to 1-877-628-9090.

“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 free, vital health care services for women ages 40 and older, who have had no mammograms in the last 12 months, who either have no insurance, or are insured by Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, which will be billed for services,” explained Addabbo. 

For women without health insurance, services will be paid for by the Screening Partnerships of the New York State 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; do not use any oil, powder, deodorant, or perfume in the breast, underarm or chest area; if you 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 the following: 

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. You are urged to 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 holiday gift by making that appointment call for a free 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.”

Photo courtesy of the office of Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. 

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