On Thursday, Oct. 12, the Bryan County Health Department in Pembroke will offer free breast exams and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The screening event is open to all women aged 40 and older who have no insurance (or very limited insurance) and meet certain annual income guidelines. Eligible women will also be referred for a free mammogram at a later date.

The free screenings are part of the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). The federally-funded program helps provide breast examinations and mammogram referrals for qualifying women in Georgia aged 40 and older, and pap smear testing and pelvic examinations to screen for cervical cancer in women 21-64 years of age.

Bryan County Nurse Manager Laurie Mehlhorn says that the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is crucial in order to care for women who otherwise can’t afford these exams.

“It allows us to be able to provide care for women that are either uninsured or underinsured–meaning that their insurance just doesn’t cover mammograms,” Mehlhorn said.

Early detection is key for both breast cancer and cervical cancer, with the latter often not causing noticeable signs or symptoms.

“Screenings give you the best opportunity to find this cancer early and start treatment early if needed,” Mehlhorn said.

“We want to find the cancer in its early stages and get women treated and taken care of.”

Appointments for the event are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. To schedule an appointment, or to find out if you qualify for the free screenings, call the Bryan County Health Department’s Pembroke office at 912-653-4331. For more information about BCCP, visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/bccp.