Free breast and cervical cancer screenings will be offered at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Crosby Clinic on Tuesday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. for uninsured and under-insured women age 40 years and older who meet income guidelines.

At the event, eligible women will receive clinical breast examinations, mammograms, Pap tests, pelvic examinations, Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, diagnostic testing if results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment. Family Physician Paige Holmgren, M.D.; Physician Assistant Jenna Roberts; and nurses Cassie Schliek and Rhonda Swehla are volunteering their time to assist women.

CRMC hopes to make more women in the Cuyuna Lakes Area aware of this free program. "We think many women are not receiving these life-saving screening tests because they have no health insurance or their insurance has deductibles or co-payments they cannot afford to pay," said Oncology Care Coordinator Jill Wittrock, R.N.

All women are at risk for breast and cervical cancer, but regular screenings can prevent these diseases or find them early.  Women between 50 and 74 years old should get a mammogram every two years. Those under 50 should talk with their health care provider about when they should be screened. Women should get their first Pap test at age 21 and continue screening until age 65.

Light refreshments will be served at the event and ladies will receive a swag bag. For a screening appointment, call 218-546-7000, ext. 2135.

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