In 2002, there were 19,831 deaths due to cancer in Michigan. Among those, 946
were in Genesee County alone with 184 of those deaths being people of color.
During National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, April 21-27, 2004, the Genesee
County Health Department announces its participation in the campaign to decrease
cancer among people of color. To help achieve that goal, the Genesee County
Health Department has screening services available through its Breast and
Cervical Cancer Control program.
Although breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among
women, African American women are 30% more likely than Caucasians to die from
breast cancer. Early detection plays an important role in breast cancer survival
by increasing survival rates up to 92%. However, even at the same stage of
diagnosis, African American women show lower survival rates.
The County’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) offers FREE
breast and pelvic exams, mammograms and pap smears to all women 40 and over who
meet program qualifications. The program is funded by the Centers for Disease
Control, the State of Michigan, the county government, local resources and
accepts straight Medicaid and Medicare Part A.
For more information or to make an appointment for your life-saving
screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810)
237-4545.
