Breast cancer in women is a very common problem. Every year, about half a million women die from cancer worldwide, which is an extremely high rate. Usually, the fatal outcome is due to late detection of the problem, so we have prepared a list of institutions that allow you to have a mammogram for free. Next up on manhattanka.
What is mammography and some information about the importance of examinations
It is important to understand that breast cancer is the most common disease of our time. As we mentioned above, about half a million women die of cancer every year around the world. This is a terrifying figure, so every woman should approach this issue with maximum responsibility, namely, to undergo a checkup. Mammography is the best and most effective method of detecting any tumors and pathologies. Mammography is the most accurate and effective method of breast examination, which is performed using X-rays. This method allows you to detect signs of breast cancer and other pathologies even before they become palpable. This is what makes it possible to detect the disease in time and, as a result, to cure it and recover. Do not neglect the examination. Do it cyclically, it is better to carry out routine examinations annually, if indicated by a doctor. It is especially important to have regular mammograms for the following people: women who have relatives with a similar disease, women who have been diagnosed with suspected cases and women over forty-five years of age. The main causes of breast cancer are smoking, alcohol, stress, trauma, obesity, heredity, etc.
How to prepare for the appointment
On the day of the examination, avoid the following: do not use deodorant or antiperspirant, as well as powders, lotions and perfumes, as this may reduce the accuracy of the mammogram. It is also advisable to come for the examination after the end of your menstrual cycle, because then the mammary glands are not swollen and less sensitive, which will make the procedure easier for you. In addition, it is recommended that you bring your previous mammogram results, if available.
Where to get a free mammogram in Manhattan
Breast cancer is a serious disease, so you need to be checked thoroughly, mostly with a mammogram. Here is a list of institutions where you can get a free checkup in Manhattan. We also note that such institutions are not absolutely free for everyone, because they have certain admission criteria, so we advise you to call the numbers below before visiting the institution.
Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center
The Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center is a financial assistance program that provides free mammography services. We suggest you call in advance and find out the details at (646) 227-3700. The address is 300 East 66th Street.
Avon Foundation Breast Imaging Center
Avon Foundation Breast Imaging Center is a Manhattan-based cancer program. Women over the age of forty and residents of New York State are eligible for free screening. For more information on eligibility and screening, please call (212) 851-4516. Address of the facility: 1130 Nicholas Avenue at 166th Street.
MSK Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care
The MSK Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care also provides mammography in Manhattan. This facility offers services such as: breast cancer screening, evaluation of abnormal mammograms (x-ray images of the breast), evaluation of breast lumps or masses, core biopsy (taking tissue samples for laboratory testing), breast cancer diagnosis, breast cancer surgery and preventive services. For more information on eligibility, please contact Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care directly at (212) 987-1777. Address: 1919 Madison Avenue.
American-Italian Cancer Foundation
The American-Italian Cancer Foundation is a mobile clinic that travels to the five boroughs of New York City to provide free mammograms and clinical breast exams to women who are medically underserved. These raids take place five days a week all year round. Eligibility requirements: woman 40-79 years old, must live in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island and have not had a mammogram in the past twelve months.
On the day of the visit, it is recommended that you wear two-piece clothing that can be easily removed, and do not use oils, powders, deodorants, or perfumes on your chest or armpits. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance, it is best to bring your card with you. To make an appointment and get more information, call: 1-877-628-9090.
Columbia Department of Radiology
The Columbia Department of Radiology is a medical facility that can also provide free mammograms to certain populations, including those in the Washington Heights community. For more information, please call: 212-326-8518. The address of the institution: 130 St. Nicholas Ave.
New York State Cancer Services Program
New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) is a cancer treatment program that provides free screening and diagnostic services for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer to people living in New York State. Services are available in every borough in New York City, including Manhattan. For local screening, call this number: (212) 851-4516 or another number: 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). The call is toll-free, and operators are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Mobile mammography of Mount Sinai
Mobile Mammography of Mount Sinai is a mobile mammography unit that visits all five boroughs of NYC. This organization provides breast cancer screening services for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year and have no signs or symptoms of the disease. They offer high-quality, state-of-the-art digital 3D mammography technology that creates images of breast tissue in layers as thin as one millimeter. This way, the doctor can examine the problem with greater accuracy. To get a mammogram in Manhattan, you should call the following phone number: 844-396-2666.
Metropolitan Hospital Center
Metropolitan Hospital Center is a full-service community hospital that offers free mammograms in Manhattan and the rest of NYC. Contact phone number: (212) 423-7993. Address: 1901 First Avenue.
Project Renewal ScanVan
Project Renewal ScanVan is the country’s first mobile mammography clinic. Every year, ScanVan travels to more than two hundred and forty locations in the five boroughs of NYC, including Manhattan, providing access to mobile mammography regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Each year, four thousand six hundred women receive free mammograms on ScanVan. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call (646) 415-7932.
Also, if you need a free or low-cost mammogram, we suggest you call 311, where you will be prompted and find the nearest and most convenient screening location.