For more information contact:
John Hofer
Director of Marketing
715-735-4200, ext. 3116
jhofer@bamc.org

(Marinette, Wis.) –Bay Area Medical Center and the Bay Area Oncology Fund are proud to offer free mammography screenings to area residents. The program will be held from July 17 to October 31, 2006, and is offered to women ages 35 and older who have never had a mammogram or have not had one since 2001 and live in Marinette or Menominee Counties.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 200,000 Americans will have some form of breast cancer by the end of the year, and 40,000 will die from the disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

Breast Cancer strikes women of all ages and backgrounds. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of this disease including age, heredity and whether a woman has experienced childbirth.

The best defense is with early detection and treatment. Seventy five percent of women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors other than age. Eighty five to ninety percent of all breast cancers are detectable by mammography. Mammography is an X-Ray test that produces an image of the breast tissue on film. It can help identify cysts, calcifications and tumors within the breast.

Since 1997, over 1,700 women have received free mammograms through this program at BAMC. The Women’s Health Department at BAMC will be conducting the screenings. Women’s Health provides specialized treatment and educational resources to help each person feel welcome and comfortable. Their equipment, reporting mechanisms and credentialed staff are certified and accredited to meet the highest standards in the field. The screenings are being offered through the NorthReach Crivitz Medical Clinic as well.

To schedule a free appointment, call Women’s Health Department at (715) 735-4216 or the Crivitz Medical Clinic at 715-854-7477.