All women can get breast cancer. Although the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, there are some factors that may increase women's chances of getting the disease: Getting older, having had breast cancer, or a close family member (mother, sister, daughter) who has had breast cancer, having certain gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol and/or not getting enough exercise . Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean your going to have the disease. However, if you’re 40 or older, a mammogram could save your life.
To find out more about Breast Cancer check the bulletin of the New York City Health Department available here:
En Español: NYCDOH Boletín de Salud sobre el Cancer de mama
Where Can I get a Mammogram?
The New York
State DOH Breast Cancer Program offers free breast cancer screening as well as
cervical and colorectal cancer screening to qualified uninsured persons.
Call 311 for help finding a doctor or a clinic to get a mammogram. The Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) offers mammograms at little or no cost.
