In our community the Heart of Virginia Free Clinic offers free mammograms through funding from a grant from the Susan G. Komen organization for uninsured patients from Prince Edward, Buckingham, Cumberland, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Amelia and Nottoway. These mammograms are performed at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville.

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Two thirds of all breast cancer patients are over the age of 50. Other risk factors include family history, never having given birth or delaying childbirth until after age 30, starting menopause after the age of 55, alcohol abuse, obesity and postmenopausal hormone use. Many women with breast cancer do not have these or other risk factors — their only risks are being a woman and getting older.

Mammograms are the most effective way of detecting breast cancer. Mammograms can find breast cancer masses when they are too small to feel. Women over 40 years of age should have a screening every year.

For more information, to see if you are eligible for a free mammogram or to schedule an educational presentation call the Heart of Virginia Free Clinic at (434) 315-5701, Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.