LAKEPORT – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sutter Lakeside Hospital & Center for Health will provide free screening mammograms for eligible individuals on Oct. 20 and 21.

Women interested in receiving a free mammogram must first call toll-free 800-511-2300 to see if they qualify for the State’s Every Women Counts program (see program description below).

Those who do not qualify for Every Women Counts must meet the following criteria:

• 40 years or older;

• Require a screening mammogram only;

• Must not have breast implants;

• Must not have received a recent biopsy or breast surgery;

• Received their last mammogram at least one year ago;

• Must be uninsured or have a high-deductible insurance plan;

• Must not be nursing (breastfeeding);

• Must have a physician referral or be referred to Sutter Lakeside’s Family Medicine Clinic or Upper Lake Clinic (any follow-up care required will not be included with the free mammogram).

Women who meet these criteria can call 262-5030 to schedule their mammogram.

Every Woman Counts is a cancer detection program of the California Department of Public Health that provides California's medically underserved women access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer.

Eligibility includes women who:

• Are age 40 or over for breast cancer screening;

• Are age 25 or over for cervical cancer screening;

• Live in California;

• Have income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level;

• Have medical insurance that does not cover these screening exams;

• Have a high insurance deductible or co-payment they cannot afford;

• Do not have access to these screening exams through Medi-Cal or another government-sponsored program.

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