Mercy to host free clinical breast exam and mammogram screening event on November 5

To ensure that Lorain County women have easy access to the screenings they need most, Mercy has dedicated Saturday, November

5 to conducting free mammograms for those who qualify.

This program is for women age 40 and over who are low-income, uninsured or under-insured (meaning you have a high deductible or high co-pay). The mammograms will be offered at the Women’s Health Center at Mercy Regional Medical Center, 3700 Kolbe Road in Lorain, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To take advantage of this program, you must call Debbie at 440-960-3624 to see if you qualify and to register. All eligible participants will receive a free digital mammogram and free breast health information. If you are unable to attend on Nov. 5, but think you may qualify for a free mammogram based on age and income, please contact Debbie at the number above.

Special thank you to the Mercy Foundation of Lorain County, Mercy’s Pink Ribbon Fund, the Community Foundation of Lorain County and the Mercy Health Foundation for providing funds for the free mammograms.

Detecting breast cancer early greatly increases a woman’s chances of survival. When breast cancer is detected because it is causing symptoms, it usually means that the cancer is larger and in a later stage, and may have already spread beyond the breast. Early screening can help detect breast cancer before it begins to cause symptoms. This means that the breast cancer is probably smaller and only located in the breast, improving a woman’s chances of successful treatment. Doctors estimate that early detection saves thousands of lives each year, and that many more lives could be saved if women took advantage of early screening for breast cancer.

Three steps for early detection of breast cancer: 1. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast changes promptly to their doctor.

2. Regular clinical breast exam – women younger than 40 should have their breasts examined by a medical professional about every three years and annually after age 40.

3. Yearly mammogram – women should obtain a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

As part of their commitment to providing the most advanced care and technology to the community, Mercy was the first to offer digital mammography technology in Lorain County. To meet the needs of patients throughout Lorain County, Mercy offers digital mammography in Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin. If you do not qualify for a free mammogram, but would like to schedule a mammogram near you, please call Mercy at 440-245-1012.

The breast cancer screening day is a part of Mercy’s commitment to providing health screenings aimed at helping the community understand risk factors and improve their overall health and wellness. For more information on future screenings, visit MercyOnline.org.