Addabbo Brings Free Mammography Van Back to Woodhaven

The AICF Mobile Mammography Program provides no-cost breast cancer screening and education services to economically disadvantaged and medically underserved women in New York City.
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Senator Urges Women to Make Appointments During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On Saturday, November 19, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. in collaboration with the American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF), is sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography Van with staff from Multi-Diagnostic Services, in front of the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven.

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

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 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.”

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 copayment 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; and you must bring your Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance card with you, if you have one.

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 will be performed by board certified radiologists.

Results will be sent to each woman and/or her doctor within 10 business days. You must provide Multi-Diagnostic Services staff with full name, address to send results to the doctor. If you provide Multi-Diagnostic Services 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 Multi-Diagnostic Services, please call 1-877-628-9090.

Senator Addabbo notes, “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; since it is necessary to call MDS first to make a test appointment, don’t wait until November to make that 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.

Photo caption courtesy of the AICF website.