LIJ Medical Center Offers Free Mammograms in October

Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Adina Genn.

Screenings go a long way toward cancer prevention. That’s why during October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – medical experts remind women to schedule their mammograms as well as other cancer screenings.

Long Islanders lacking insurance, take note: LIJ Medical Center is offering free, state-of-the-art 3-D mammograms for women ages 50-64, who are uninsured or underinsured and have not received a mammogram in at least a year.

Creating a clearer picture than standard mammograms, 3D screenings “look at each layer of breast tissue one at a time, which can help reduce false alarms that can come from overlapping tissues,” according to a statement put out by LIJ.

“Early detection is one of the main ways we save lives,” said Kaitlin Doyle, MSPH, Women’s Health Coordinator at LIJ Medical Center, in a press release. 

“Regular screenings allow us to identify symptoms early, and patients achieve a better clinical result if treatment can begin sooner,” she added. “These screenings also ease women’s minds to know what their health status is and know there is treatment available if needed regardless of insurance or citizenship status.”

Studies reveal that women without health insurance are less apt to get screened for cancer and face a greater risk being diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease, according to LIJ. The hospital also notes that all women with an average risk for breast cancer are encouraged to begin getting a mammogram at age 40.

Mammograms are conducted after a clinical breast exam is performed at the Ambulatory Care Unit at LIJ Medical Center, at 270-05 76th Avenue, first floor, Research Building, in New Hyde Park. The mammograms are provided at the Schlanger, Gottlieb, Partners Council Breast Imaging Center at North Shore-LIJ’s Center for Advanced Medicine at 450 Lakeville Road in Lake Success, across from the main entrance to LIJ Medical Center. The screenings are offered Monday-Saturday, by appointment only.

Clinicians at LIJ Medical Center also offer pelvic exams, pap smears and colon cancer screenings. Those needing treatment may contact North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute, a provider of robotic-aided assistance for minimally invasive surgeries and investigational medications, therapies and treatments.

For an appointment for a free cancer screening, call the LIJ Ambulatory Care Unit at 718-470-4165. Accessible by public transportation, the hospital also offers parking in its visitor’s garage.