In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, state Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. announced that he is bringing back the American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s Free Mammogram Screening Bus to his district office in Howard Beach in November.
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the American-Italian Cancer Foundation will have their Mammogram Bus parked on the corner of 160th Avenue and 102nd Street outside of Addabbo’s office, which is located at 159-53 102nd St. in Howard Beach, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing no-cost mammogram screenings for women who register for an appointment.
Mammograms are an important part of protecting women’s health, especially if they’re over 40 or have significant risk factors for breast cancer. But mammograms can also be expensive, with the average cost ranging from about $100 to $250, according to Verywell Health.
Breast cancer is also more challenging — and much more expensive — to treat when tumors are more advanced.
“When it comes to cancer, and especially breast cancer, it is vital to get tested routinely to increase your chances at early detection. The sooner you catch a cancer diagnosis, the quicker you can receive treatment and your life expectancy rises,” Addabbo said. “That is why I am proud to sponsor this event on the heels of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank the American-Italian Cancer Foundation for bringing this great, free service back to my district. Please call my office to make an appointment.”
To be eligible for the clinical breast exam, women must between 40 and 79 years old with health insurance, between 50 and 79 years old without health insurance, and currently living in New York City and had not had a mammogram in the last 12 months.
Uninsured patients are welcome, there are no co-payments and all deductibles are waived for this service.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only one patient will be allowed on the bus at a time, and those waiting to be seen are to wait in Addabbo’s office while they fill out their intake forms. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a limited basis, but appointments are highly recommended.
To ensure that you are able to get a free mammogram screening, call Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111 or 877-628-9090 to make an appointment.
