The Franklin County Health Department Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness month and reminds women to take charge of their health by getting regular mammograms. Oftentimes, in the beginning stages of breast cancer, lumps are too small to feel; signs and symptoms are not always present. A mammogram is the best test for finding breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. Women should talk to a licensed health care provider about how to get a mammogram and how often.

“The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County reminds women to take charge of their health by getting regular mammograms”, said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator, FLDOH-Franklin.  “We offer screenings to uninsured women of low income who qualify through our Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Early protection is the best protection.”

Men may also get breast cancer, although it is not very common. “According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, it is estimated that approximately 2190 men will be diagnose with Breast Cancer and 410 will die annually”, said Helen Cook, ARNP, FLDOH-Franklin.”

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, DOH-Franklin will participate in the following events: 

• Breast Cancer Awareness Screenings, October 23, 2013, Apalachicola Bay Charter School, Apalachicola, FL, 3:00 p.m. 
• Breast Cancer Awareness Screenings, October 24, 2013, Franklin County School, Eastpoint, FL, 2:20 p.m.

For more information about the DOH Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, contact the Franklin County Health Department at (850) 653-2111. For more information about breast cancer in men, visit the visit the National Cancer Institute's website.

For general information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, visit www.cancer.gov/, the CDC’s site at www.cdc.gov/, or the Florida Cancer Data System at http://fcds.med.miami.edu/.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.