To the editor:

The message is simple. Get screened for breast cancer when you reach age 40 and repeat as recommended. This will give you the best chance of finding breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. General guidelines suggest that females start mammograms at age 40 and repeat at least every other year through age 74. This recommendation is also for transgender males and people who are nonbinary. However, you and your health care provider can decide if you need to be screened at a younger age or more often based on your risk factors.

If you do not have insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Northeastern NY is ready to help you get free breast cancer screenings. The CSP can also help you get screened for cervical and colorectal cancer. Screening is open to people who do not have health insurance and who meet other program requirements. If more testing is needed, our program can pay for that too. And we will help enroll eligible people in the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program if cancer is found.

If you need breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening or want more information, please call the CSP at 518-324-7671.

Colleen Jackson

Plattsburgh