Springfield Offers Cancer Screenings for Women

The Board of Health in Springfield, the Madison Health Department and the Boards of Health in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township are all offering a Cancer Screening for all adult women over age 18. This Health Department program is open to all women who live in the participating towns including nannies and other household employees and those without health insurance coverage. 

The screening will be held at the Madison Health Department located in the Civic Center, 28 Walnut Street, Madison on Wednesday, May 15 starting at 9:00 a.m. Appointments are necessary and may be made by calling 973-593-3079 ext.1 beginning on April 18. A $25.00 fee may apply if a Pap test is indicated. 

This comprehensive check up for women will include manual breast and pelvic exams, colo-rectal exams, blood pressure checks and education on the technique of monthly breast self-examination for each participant. Because of recently updated recommendations for Pap testing, Dr. Rohini Jobanputra will determine with each woman if a Pap test is advisable for her. 

Receiving regular check-ups is important. 

Women are also encouraged to engage in physical activity most days of the week, eat a nutritious diet and avoid high risk behaviors like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children and parents and forget to focus on their own health. Research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. When women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone will benefit. 

The health department encourages women to sign up for the screening and also to pass the word along to other resident women who may not know about this service. Call the Madison Health Dept. (973-593-3079 ext.1) for an appointment for yourself or a loved one. Participants should have their physician's name and address ready when they call. 

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