DALLAS – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women and is the second leading cause of cancer death.  Early detection begins with a clinical breast exam (CBE); therefore Planned Parenthood of North Texas (PPNT) is offering a free CBE during an annual exam for all new patients.

About 212,920 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer throughout 2006.  About 40,970 women will die from the disease this year.  The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. (www.cancer.org)

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation and the largest proportion is women.  PPNT provides low-cost, accessible medical services to anyone regardless of health insurance status or income in 28 clinics across the 57 county region.  A CBE is standard during an annual exam.  Some PPNT patients may also be eligible to receive a free mammogram through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control (BCCC) grant. 

For more information about the discount and exam, women should call 1-800-230-PLAN for the clinic nearest them.

For more information on breast cancer, please visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org. 

For 70 years, PPNT has provided compassionate medical care in North Texas.  In 2005, PPNT clinics served more than 87,000 patients in its 28 clinics.  PPNT also provides health education outreach to 10,000 individuals a year.

"Celebrating 70 years of providing compassionate health care in North Texas communities."  (1935-2005)

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