UC Davis Health offers free mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. But for many who are uninsured or underinsured, the cost of a routine screening can be a barrier.

During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UC Davis Health is once again offering free mammograms to improve access to lifesaving screening. The program is made possible by the Department of Radiology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The screening mammograms are open to members of the community who do not have insurance or who have insurance but can't afford the cost or the copay.

This year, UC Davis Health has expanded its program, offering more appointments with the goal of reaching even more patients than in years past.

Free screening mammograms

The free mammograms will be available on weekends: Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18. They will take place from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center, 4860 Y St., Sacramento. Mammograms are available by appointment only.

"Regular screening mammography can help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful," said Marissa Bashore, health education supervisor for the cancer center's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. "We encourage those age 40 and older to talk with their healthcare provider about breast cancer screening and stay up to date with their mammograms."

In Sacramento County, about a third of eligible individuals are not up to date on their breast cancer screening, Bashore said.

Who is eligible for the free screenings?

The mammograms are available for those ages 40-74 who have not had a mammogram in the past year and are not experiencing symptoms.

People with symptoms such as a lump, breast pain, swelling or nipple discharge may need a diagnostic mammogram - a different kind of test. They may also need other testing and should talk with a healthcare provider.

UC Davis Health has partnered with Wellspace Health to help connect patients with additional testing or follow-up care, if needed.

How to schedule your free screening mammogram with UC Davis Health

Appointments are required and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, call 916-734-0655, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask to schedule a free Breast Cancer Awareness Month screening.

Language interpretation services are available.

Appointments fill quickly, so those interested are encouraged to call as soon as possible.

Read why it's so important to get regular breast cancer screenings

UC Davis Health free screening mammogram details

When: Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center, 4860 Y St., Sacramento.

Who: Those ages 40-74 who are uninsured or can't afford the cost.

How: Appointments are required. Call 916-734-0655, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask to schedule a free Breast Cancer Awareness Month screening.