Write a commentTo the Editor: According to data from the 2024 New York State Behavioral Risk Surveillance System, only about 40% of females without health insurance are up to date with their mammograms, compared to 83% of females with any type of insurance.
While it may come as no surprise that not having health insurance can lead to trouble accessing health care, you may be surprised to learn that help is available.
Oswego County Opportunities’ Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the North Country provides free mammograms for uninsured people in Oswego, Lewis, Jefferson & St Lawrence Counties who qualify. Mammograms are available for females aged 40 and older, and in certain instances, those younger than 40 who are at high risk for breast cancer. Women aged 40-64 may also be eligible for cervical cancer screenings, men and women aged 45-64 may be eligible for colorectal cancer screenings.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females in New York State and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Mammograms give the best chance of finding cancer early when it’s easier to treat. When breast cancer has not spread outside the breast, the survival rate is around 99%.
The CSP offers screening 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.
Please contact the CSP at 315-592-0830
Carolyn Handville
Program Manager
Cancer Services Program North Country
Oswego, 13126
