Roper St. Francis Offers Free Breast Cancer Screenings

CHARLESTON - Roper St. Francis Cancer Center is offering free screenings that include clinical breast exams and other OB/GYN health information, food and giveaways as part of its Fifth Annual Ladies Night Out at its Downtown location at 316 Calhoun St., from 5 - 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20.

The event is part of the hospital's effort to serve the Charelston area community during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is designed to provide the screenings to Lowcountry women who have not been screened or may not have access to such services. Last year, four cases of breast cancer were detected among the 98 women who registered for the event, accroding to a Roper St. Francis press release.

The screenings will be held in the hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Department. Roper St. Francis board certified physicians donating their time and expertise for this event include Paul Baron, MD; Bo Blessing, MD; Kenosha Gleaton, MD; Chris Hawk, MD; Henry West, MD; and Stanley Wilson, MD.

According to the most recent National Cancer database information, the national breast cancer survival rate is 84.5 percent and the South Carolina state average is 84.3 percent. The survival rate for patients treated at RSFCC is 87.5 percent; a 20 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality rate for patients treated at RSFCC.

Both women and men are welcome to attend the screening. To be eligible for a free breast exam, individuals must be at least 20 years old and not have had a clinical breast exam during the past 12 months. Mammogram assistance will also be available for qualified participants.

Parking is free in the Doughty and Lucas Street garages next to Roper Hospital. There is no cost for Ladies Night Out, but registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 843-402-CARE (2273).