Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening includes self-breast exam, clinical breast exam, and mammogram. The most current guidelines from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force suggest women ages 50 to 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. Women ages 40–49 years old are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers about when and how often they should have screening mammograms. A woman who has a high risk for breast cancer, as determined by a health care provider, may need to begin screening earlier.

The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region covers annual clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams and pap tests for uninsured women 40 and older who live in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Wayne and Seneca Counties. Mammograms are sometimes covered for younger women based on family or personal history. Men identified with symptoms which may indicate breast cancer can receive diagnosis through the program.

Free Screening Events

If you have a family history, or have concerns about your risk, we encourage you to take advantage of these free screening events. Research has shown that African American women are 42 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. African American women are more likely to present with a cancer diagnosis in ages younger than 40 and with more advanced stage breast cancer.

Call (585) 224-3070 for questions or more information about events this year. Email us at csp@urmc.rochester.edu.

The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region can also help eligible men and women get the colorectal and cervical cancer screenings they need.