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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
DOH Union Promotes Early Detection And Treatment To Fight Breast Cancer
October 01, 2019
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health in Union County encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Important advances have been made through increased awareness, breast cancer screenings and better treatments.
“It is important that everyone join hands in fighting cancer, said Amie Johns, MPH, Administrator/Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Union County. “It is important to create an awareness among women, their siblings, parents and colleagues about what cancer is and the importance of early detection and treatment.”
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, no matter a person’s race or ethnicity. The American Cancer Society estimates 19,130 new cases are expected in Florida this year alone. In 2018, 2,955 women in Florida died from Female Breast Cancer including 2 residents of Union County.
What should women do? Make “No excuses, ladies.” Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings. Additionally, women can lower their risk as follows:
- Get and stay at a healthy weight
- Be physically active
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Choose to breast-feed
- Quit smoking and or vaping
The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost for those who meet the program eligibility requirements.
To see if you qualify, call DOH-UNION at: 386-496-3211. The PUTNAM COUNTY BCCEDP SERVES THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwannee, Union, and surrounding counties.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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