Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, will affect over 240,000 women and cause over 40,000 deaths in 2016. One of the best ways a woman can protect herself from breast cancer is to get a mammogram.

Highland District Hospital and the Highland County Health Department are working together to offer free screening mammograms to Highland County residents.

These no-cost mammograms are available to women who are:

• Over 40 years old;

• Live in Highland County;

• Have no or limited insurance coverage;

• No current problem with either breast (existing problems require a different procedure).

Mammograms will be done at Highland District Hospital using its state of the art digital mammography unit. Clinic dates are: Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12.

Preregistration is required at least one week prior to each event.

Financial counseling, insurance advice and coordination, and resources from the Free Store Food Bank are also available during each clinic.

Remember, these are screening exams. If you are concerned about an existing breast lump or other issue, you will need to have a more detailed diagnostic screening done.

Contact the Highland County Health Department at 937-393-1941 now to reserve your free mammogram.

Submitted by Jared Warner, Highland County Health Department health commissioner.