El Rio Health Offering Free Mammogram Screenings 

For Uninsured Women During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tucson, Arizona – El Rio Health will be offering free Mammogram Screenings for uninsured women in the month of October at three of their health centers. To qualify, the patient must be uninsured, over 40 years old with no current breast problems (no pain, discharge, lump, etc.) and must not have had a mammogram within 1 year.

El Rio Health administers approximately 5,600 screenings per year. Annually, with the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a decrease in screenings which is concerning. “We worry that with the pandemic, many may have postponed important lifesaving screenings like mammograms and other needed care. Our “Care Can’t Wait” message reminds people to catch up on important immunizations, screenings such as mammograms, and other needed care.” Said Nancy Johnson, CEO of El Rio Health.

On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Thanks to the generosity of Hope Matters Breast Cancer Foundation, Quilt for A Cause, Inc,, and Roche Molecular Solutions the community now has another resource for help.

By Appointment only, please call (520) 670-3909 to schedule on the following days:

Wednesday, October 21^st

Wednesday, October 28^th

• Congress Health Center (839 W. Congress St.)
• Cherrybell Health Center (1230 S. Cherrybell Stravenue)
• Southeast Health Center (6950 E. Golf Links Rd.)

Breast Cancer Facts in the United States

–  One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime

–  In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

– 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%.

– This year, an estimated 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.

– Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

– There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

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About El Rio Health:

El Rio Health is the largest provider of medical and dental services for the uninsured and Medicaid populations in Pima County. El Rio serves the medical, dental, and behavioral health needs of over113,000 patients annually. El Rio employs over 1,500 people with an annual budget of over $180 million dollars. A national model of health care excellence, El Rio’s mission is to “improve the health of our community through comprehensive, accessible, affordable, quality and compassionate care.” www.elrio.org.