Project Self-Sufficiency will provide free mammograms

Newton — A mobile mammography van will be available on Thursday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency to offer free mammograms to eligible women. To receive a free mammogram, women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40. Mammograms will be offered by appointment only. Participants will also receive instructions for performing self-examinations, as well as free educational materials on breast health and breast cancer. In combination with mammograms, breast self-exams and clinical breast exams are recommended for all women after the age of 20. Combining these three methods gives women the best chance of detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. “Project Self-Sufficiency is proud to be able to offer free mammograms to women in need,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, executive director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Early detection is the key to preventing breast cancer, and getting a mammogram can often mean the difference between life and death.” Sussex County has the highest incidence of incurable diagnoses of breast cancer in the state. In fact, while the mortality rate for breast cancer in the state of New Jersey dropped 8.9 percent from 1997 to 2005, mortality in Sussex County rose 9.5 percent during the same period. Although the reasons for this disparity can be complicated, one fact is crystal clear to the Sussex County Breast Health Task Force, a consortium of local businesses, health and social service organizations. Early diagnosis is the key to a cure, and urging women to get a mammogram will ultimately save lives. Project Self-Sufficiency is partnering with the Sussex County Breast Health Task Force to increase awareness of the necessity of mammograms in the prevention of breast cancer. The “Mammograms Save Lives” program is funded through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® North Jersey, along with support from Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda and the New Jersey Herald. The program will incorporate flyers, billboards, speaking engagements, and other educational activities throughout the county. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. To register for a free mammogram, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.