Free Mammograms Coming to Simpsonville

Women with or without insurance will be offered free mammograms via a mobile clinic scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at Belk's in Simpsonville.

The store is offering the service as a way to give back to the communities they serve and to help save lives. The department store chain is spending 248 days this year bringing its mobile clinic to women around the country.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world. All women, and even a small percentage of men, are at risk for breast cancer. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older, according to statistics. Mammographies can help detect cancer early, decreasing a woman's mortality risk.

The eligibility guidelines for a screening mammogram are as follows:

• Must be a woman 40 years or older

• Must have a primary care physician (a report will be sent to patient and their physician)

• Must be at least one year since previous mammogram

• Must not be pregnant or breast-feeding

• Must not have new breast lumps, breast skin or nipple changes, or nipple discharge (patients with these symptoms should promptly contact their physician for evaluation and possible referral for a diagnostic mammogram)

If you have insurance, Belk will cover any co-pays.  If you don’t have insurance, the store will pay for the entire procedure.

Screenings take about 30 minutes. To secure your spot, you can set up an appointment by calling 855-655-2662.

Belk of Simpsonville is located at 665 Fairview Road.