Free and Affordable Cancer Screenings, Education Treatment and Support Groups Available
The Westchester County Department of Health and the Westchester County Office for Women encourage residents to take time this month to discuss cancer screenings and other prevention strategies with their healthcare providers.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found breast cancer was the second leading cause of death in women, while uterine and ovarian cancers were the fifth and sixth leading causes of cancer deaths in women.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, and was the second leading cause of cancer death in men in 2023, according to the CDC. African-American men are more likely to have prostate cancer, and are twice as likely to die of it, according to the CDC. Ashkenazi Jewish men also have an elevated risk due to genetic factors.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “I strongly encourage women and men to make their health a priority by scheduling routine cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives, so please don’t procrastinate with your healthcare.”
Westchester County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Some cancers can be present with few or no symptoms, so if you do experience unusual symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Early detection is key to the many new treatments now available. We strongly encourage regular screenings for breast, gynecological and prostate cancers.”
Westchester County Office for Women Director Robi Schlaff said: “Cancer screenings can save your life. Ask your doctor which preventive cancer screenings are right for you given your risk factors and family history, and learn ways to reduce your risks through lifestyle changes.”
Important screenings for women include a pap test for cervical cancer, a mammogram (often recommended with an ultrasound) for breast cancer, and a pelvic ultrasound for ovarian cancer (upon recommendation by your doctor if you have symptoms, family history or other risk factors.) Men ages 55 to 69 should consult their doctor to determine if a Prostate Specific Antigen test is recommended.
Both women and men should consider genetic testing if they have a family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, and some may consider an HPV test. The HPV test screens for the Human Papillomavirus which causes six types of cancer, including cervical cancer and cancer of the genitals in males and females. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer). The HPV vaccine prevents transmission of the virus. Free HPV vaccines are available for eligible adults and children, starting at age nine, at the County Health Department vaccination clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call (914) 995-5800 to learn if you qualify.
Below are upcoming cancer education/support groups, screenings and events:
September 2 at 4 p.m. – Cancer Support Team’s After Treatment Support Group is facilitated by a CST nurse and social worker and meets monthly via Zoom. This free group helps patients with cancer who have completed treatment within the last year. Contact Patty Vaughn, RN at (914) 777-2777 or email cst@cancersupportteam.org.
September 3 at 1 p.m. – Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT’s Living with Cancer Group meets via Zoom. This free group helps patients with cancer. Go to https://cancersupportcommunitynyct.org/join-our-community/ to join and call (914) 644-8844 to participate.
September 3, 10 and 24 at 7 p.m. – Cancer Support Team’s Breast, Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer Post-Treatment Support Group meets on Zoom. Call (914) 962-6402 to register or email info@supportconnection.org.
September 18 at 6 p.m. –David Pogue of CBS Sunday Morning will speak on Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare in a benefit for Support Connection’s free and confidential services for women with breast, ovarian and other gynecological cancers at The DRIPBaR Rye, 20 Purchase St., Rye. Tickets are $35 each or $50 for two. For more information, call Support Connection at (914) 962-6402.
September 24 at 4 p.m. – Cancer Support Team’s The Anxiety and Cancer Support Group is facilitated by a CST nurse and meets monthly via Zoom. This free group includes men and women with cancer and caregivers for discussions about managing the stresses of a cancer diagnosis and learning coping skills. Contact Patty Vaughn, RN at (914) 777-2777 or email cst@cancersupportteam.org.
October 1 at 4 p.m. – Cancer Support Team’s Ovarian Cancer Support Group is facilitated by a CST nurse and meets monthly via Zoom. This free group is for anyone with ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer. Contact Patty Vaughn, RN at (914) 777-2777 or email cst@cancersupportteam.org.
For more health tips and cancer resources, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. The Health Department can be reached at (914) 813-5000.
