Brooksville, Fla. – Early detection is key to successful diagnosis and treatment of breast and cervical cancer; and health departments in West Central Florida—Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota— encourage residents to know their risk during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each year in the United States, about 264,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease. Though not as common, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.

Know Your Risk

Knowing your family history is lifesaving. Talk to a doctor about your family history and see how that history impacts your risk of breast cancer.

Get Screened

For those at average risk, have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. If you have any signs of breast cancer, finding it early and treating it early may save your life. 

Know Your Normal

It’s important to know what’s normal for you so you can talk with your health care provider if something doesn’t look or feel right.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP) offered by the Department of Health, can make it easier to get the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost if you meet program eligibility requirements. A clinical breast exam, mammogram, pap test and follow-up care for abnormal results are included in the program.

Women screened through the program and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer can receive treatment through the Florida Medicaid Program. For more information or to see if you qualify, call the number listed below for your county.

• Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter – (727) 619-0369
• Hardee - (863) 773-4161
• Highlands - (863) 386-6040
• Hillsborough, Polk - (813) 307-8082
• Manatee, Sarasota – (941) 861-2676
• Pinellas - (727) 824-6917

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.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.