Free and Affordable Cancer Screening Programs, Treatment Services and Support Groups Available
Wear Purple and Light Blue Ribbons to Show Support for Gynecologic and Prostate Cancer Survivors
The Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging residents to take control of their health by attending upcoming gynecologic and prostate cancer treatment services and support groups. Residents can also show support for those with gynecologic and prostate cancer by wearing purple and light blue ribbons, and discuss cancer screenings and other prevention strategies with their healthcare provider.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Talk with your doctor about which preventive cancer screenings are right for you given your risk factors and family history, and learn how to reduce your risks through lifestyle changes.”
A list of upcoming cancer education and community screenings are as follows:
- Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. - Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group sponsored by Support Connection. Virtual meeting open to women who have or have had breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Advance registration required. Call 914-962-6042 or toll-free 800-532-4290.
- Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. - Aging & Prostate Health Virtual Panel Discussion sponsored by New York Presbyterian Hospital and Gilda’s Club Westchester. Participants will learn about the different types of prostate disease and cancer, screenings and the latest testing options, active surveillance and the newest treatment advancements, and the role of diet and nutritional supplements on prostate health. Advance registration required. Visit Webinar Registration - Zoom
- Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - See, Test and Treat Event sponsored by White Plains Hospital at White Plains Hospital Family Health Center, 79 East Post Road, White Plains. Free cancer screenings and health education for uninsured and underinsured women, including a cervical pelvic exam, cervical cancer screening (pap test), mammogram (age appropriate) and HPV test. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Call 914-849-7520.
The Westchester County Department of Health encourages residents to take steps to reduce their overall health risks. Here’s how:
- Move more– make time for 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Walk indoors or out, take the stairs, move along with free exercise videos available online, or take an exercise class or join a gym.
- Eat healthier to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Satisfy your hunger with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and poultry, fish and unsalted nuts. Boost flavor with herbs, garlic, onions and spices instead of salt, butter or fat. Reduce your use of packaged foods and choose those that are low in sodium, salt, sugar and sweeteners. Limit sweets, red meat and sugary drinks to an occasional treat.
- Know your numbers – Be aware of your blood pressure reading, cholesterol count and lipid profile. Have these checked at an annual physical. If the results are higher than recommended, ask your doctor to suggest lifestyle changes that can help.
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol – Adults should limit their alcohol consumption because excess drinking can raise blood pressure levels. Women should have no more than one drink a day, while men should stop at two.
Take these steps today, and encourage family and friends to join you on the journey toward better health.
Prostate cancer was the second leading cause of cancer death in men in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. African-American men are more likely to have prostate cancer, and are twice as likely to die of it, according to the CDC. In the same year, the CDC found ovarian cancer was the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
A pap test screens for cervical cancer, and an HPV test may be considered for some. Men ages 55 to 69 should consult their doctor to determine if a Prostate Specific Antigen test is recommended. The HPV vaccine prevents transmission of 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). Free HPV vaccines are available for eligible adults and children, starting at age nine, at our vaccination clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call 914-995-5800 to see if you qualify.
For more health tips and cancer resources, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. The Health Department can be reached at (914) 813-5000.