Southcoast Health offers free mammograms to the uninsured during the month of October

Southcoast Radiology and Imaging Services, a part of Southcoast Health, is offering free mammograms for uninsured individuals during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Screenings are offered at all 10 Southcoast Breast Imaging Centers across the region.

Statistics show that one in eight women over the age of 40 will develop breast cancer. Since patients are less likely to experience symptoms during the early stage of breast cancer, when tumors are small and most treatable, early detection and regular screenings are a necessity to reduce advanced stage diagnosis and often improve treatment outcome. The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that it is very important for women to follow the recommended screening guidelines for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, before symptoms develop. The ACS recommends that women receive a regular, annual mammogram beginning at age 40.

Data also shows that individuals without health insurance are less likely to have regular breast cancer screenings, significantly reducing their chances of early detection. That is why Southcoast Health is offering this important screening, at no cost, to any uninsured individual during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Appointments are required. To schedule a free mammogram during the month of October call central scheduling at 800-276-0103. Massachusetts residents will also have the opportunity to speak with Patient Financial Services for guidance on how to apply for health insurance. Rhode Island residents without insurance are welcome to take advantage of the free screenings, but will not qualify for financial assistance.

Southcoast Health is a primary provider of breast health services in the region. Southcoast Breast Imaging Center is designated as Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, is certified by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers by the American College of Surgeons, and offer 100 percent digital mammography services at all of their sites throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Southcoast Breast Imaging Centers are located at:

DARTMOUTH
Southcoast Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road

FALL RIVER
Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue

Borden Medical Building
300 Hanover Street

HealthFirst Family Care Center
387 Quarry Street, Suite 104

New Boston Medical Center
373 New Boston Road

Truesdale Clinic
263 Stanley Street

NEW BEDFORD
St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street

Greater New Bedford Community Health Center
874 Purchase Street

WAREHAM
Tobey Hospital
43 High Street

Southcoast Health at Rosebrook
100 Rosebrook Way

About Southcoast Health

Southcoast Health is a community-based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. Southcoast Health’s mission is to promote the optimal health and well-being of individuals in the communities it serves. To achieve this aim Southcoast Health has built an integrated “Community of Care” that delivers safety, quality, convenience and an exceptional patient experience in an environment that offers the greatest opportunity for improved health.

Southcoast Health is comprised of four hospitals — Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford, Tobey in Wareham and Southcoast Behavioral Health in Dartmouth — two Centers for Cancer Care, two Urgent Care Centers, a physician’s network, an employed physicians group, a visiting nurse association and numerous additional ambulatory facilities and serves more than 719,000 residents in 33 communities covering over 900 square miles.

Southcoast Health is the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region with more than 600 physicians, hospitalists and mid-level practitioners in the Southcoast Physicians Network — 450 of whom are employed by Southcoast Physicians Group (SPG). SPG unites Southcoast Health’s primary care, surgical, and specialty services into one seamless, region-wide provider. SPG is comprised of a wide-range of specialties and offers advanced care locally. Physician practices are located throughout the South Coast region and parts of Rhode Island.

Southcoast Health is the largest employer south of Quincy, Mass., and the 17th largest employer in the Commonwealth according to the Boston Business Journal, with over 7,400 employees.

Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast Health through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.

Southcoast® is a registered trademark of Southcoast Health System.