Berrien County Health Department recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and promoting vital screening services

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Berrien County Health Department is reminding the community about its breast cancer risk assessment and screening services. Based on National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates, nearly 317,000 women and 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, highlighting the critical need for continued awareness and early detection efforts.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to assess your personal risk and to get screened at the right time for early detection,” BCHD Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Parrette said. “Recognizing changes in your body and reporting them early to your health care provider is key since breast cancer is most treatable in its earliest stages.”

BCHD advises anyone at high risk for breast cancer – including individuals with a family history of breast cancer or inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes – to make an appointment for a breast cancer risk assessment and screening. Individuals older than 40 should receive a clinical breast exam annually.

Breast cancer risk assessment and screening appointments are available at BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave., and Niles office, 1205 N. Front St. Appointments typically last 45 minutes. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 269-926-7121.

Individuals who schedule an appointment for a breast cancer risk assessment or screening in October will receive a pink ribbon pin courtesy of the Berrien County Cancer Service.

BCHD accepts most health insurance plans, including Medicaid. Individuals ages 40-64 who are uninsured or underinsured and whose income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines may be able to receive breast cancer risk assessment and screening services at no cost through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.

For more information about BCHD’s breast cancer risk assessment and screening services, visit bit.ly/BCHDSexualHealthClinic or call 269-926-7121.