What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Held every October, it aims to promote screening for, and prevention of, the disease, which affects 2.3 million people worldwide. Early diagnosis can be lifesaving.
Known best for its thematic pink color, the movement features several social media campaigns, races, or walks, not to mention programs conducted by groups ranging from local community organizations to major national nonprofits throughout October.
Why is breast cancer awareness important?
One aspect of awareness is public education. Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps teach not only the signs and symptoms of breast cancer but prevention methods, including how to perform a self-exam, how to access proper screening, and the importance of regular mammograms.
All of it is aimed at:
- Supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
- Educating people about breast cancer risk factors.
- Stressing the importance of regular screening, starting at age 40 for persons with breast tissue (cis women, trans men, trans women, and gender nonconforming individuals), or at an age that’s appropriate for someone’s personal breast cancer risk.
What is the significance of the pink ribbon?
Today, the pink ribbon has become the universal symbol of breast cancer, as well as a means of raising awareness and illustrating solidarity among those at risk of breast cancer.
During October, DAP Health will offer mobile mammograms at the following clinics:
October 11
Desert Hot Springs Main Campus
66-675 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
760.676.5240
October 13
Coachella Valley Community Health Center
49869 Calhoun Street, Coachella CA 92236
760.399.4526
October 19
Centro Medico Cathedral City
69-175 Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.321.6776
October 20
Centro Medico Oasis
88-775 Avenue 76, Thermal, CA 92274
760.397.2501
October 24
Centro Medico El Cajón
133 West Main Street, Suite 100, El Cajón, CA 92020
619.401.0404
October 25
Desert Hot Springs Main Campus
66-675 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
760.676.5240
October 27
Centro Medico Escondido
1121 East Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
760.871.0606
October 31
San Jacinto Health Center
651 North State Street, Suite 5, San Jacinto CA 92583
951.487.8506
All clinics will have incentives and educational materials — breast cancer awareness bracelets, pins, pens, hair scrunchies, stress balls, hand sanitizer — to give to patients who have a mammogram.
Also please note that programs are offered to patients who do not have insurance, with the requirements as follows. Patients must:
- Live in California.
- Have limited, or no, health insurance.
- Have health insurance with a co-payment or deductible they can’t afford.
- Not be eligible for Medi-Cal.
- Have income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Be at least 40 years of age for a clinical breast exam and a mammogram.
- Be at least 21 years of age for a Pap test.