New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program

According to the National Cancer Institute, 232,340 females and 2,240 males are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States. The disease causes 39,620 deaths a year. October is recognized as a month for individuals to bring awareness to breast cancer and rally together to raise funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and most of all, the cure. The chance of developing breast cancer increases with age, which is why it is so important to get screened. New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection at the Cape May County Department of Health offers free cancer screenings to those who qualify. Studies have shown that lifestyle changes can reduce one’s risk of developing breast cancer. 
The Mayo Clinic suggests:
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking – Call the NJ Quitline at 1 (866) 657-8677 if you are ready to quit today.
• Control your weight.
• Be physically active.
• Breastfeed if possible.
The American Cancer Society recommends:
• Yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40.
• Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): Every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women ages 40 and over.
• Breast-Self Awareness (BSA): Women should know how their breasts look and feel normally. Report any change to your health care provider as soon as you notice it.
• Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Some health care providers recommend that women 20 years and older check their own breasts monthly for lumps, thickness, discharge and other abnormalities. Women should contact their health care provider if there are any changes to either breast.
If you cannot afford your deductible or co-pay, or are uninsured, Cape May County New Jersey Cancer Educational and Early Detection (NJCEED) program offers FREE mammograms. The Cape May County NJCEED is located at 6 Moore Rd., Cape May Court House, in the Crest Haven Complex off of Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway. To make an appointment for Cape May County NJCEED or for any additional information, call (609) 465-1047 for English or (609) 465-6840 for Spanish.