Milton, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Florida. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Survival rates have increased over the last 10 years and early detection continues to be critically important. The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of breast cancer goes up with age. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment is more effective. Women should talk with their health care provider about individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms. 

The CDC recommends regular mammograms and paying attention to the following changes in the look and feel of the breast, including:

• A new lump in the breast;
• A lump that has changed in size;
• A change in the size and shape of the breast;
• Pain in the breast or nipple that does not go away;
• Flaky, red or swollen skin anywhere on the breast;
• A nipple that is very tender or that turns inward; and
• Blood or any other type of fluid coming from the nipple that is not milk when nursing a baby.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost for women ages 50 to 64 years who are uninsured and meet financial eligibility requirements.  DOH-Santa Rosa also has a breast cancer screening program for those under the age of 50 funded by a grant from the White-Wilson Community Foundation.  The grant provides screenings for women who are uninsured, have had an abnormal breast exam or have a strong family history of breast cancer, and are financially qualified.  To determine if you qualify for either of these programs, call the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County at 850-983-5200.   

Medicare insurance also provides mammograms to women age 65 and older without a copay. Please call 1-800-633-4227 for information on receiving mammograms through Medicare. 

About the Florida Department of Health 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov