LANSING – State Representatives Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) and Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) today encouraged Monroe County women to take advantage of two free health care fairs for women who are 40 and over. Mammography nurses and technologists will conduct clinical breast exams and perform mammograms at the fairs, which will be held in February in Monroe and Dundee.
"Early detection is the most important tool we have to fight breast cancer, and I encourage Monroe County women to take advantage of a free event such as this one," said Ebli, a breast cancer survivor. "Not only will women be able to learn the importance of monthly breast cancer self-exams, they will be able to get their yearly mammogram conducted at this fair. It's vital for us, as women, to take preventative measures to protect our health and well-being."
Ebli knows firsthand that early detection saves lives; she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a mammogram showed an abnormal reading in 2004. A biopsy later revealed a malignancy.
The first fair will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mercy Memorial Women's Health Center, 718 N. Macomb St., in Monroe.
"We all lead busy lives, and there are so many demands on our time – but there is no single greater gift than our health," said Angerer, who is chair of the House Health Policy Committee. "At this fair, important resources will be conveniently gathered in one place, and I hope that women in our community are able to take out a little time for themselves to check on their health. Events that bring together health care experts help create a safer and healthier Michigan for women."
The second fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, from 3 pm. to 7 p.m. at the Dundee Medical Center, 100 Powell Dr., in Dundee.
Women over 40 who are insured, underinsured or uninsured are welcome to the fair. Those under 40 need a doctor's order. Anyone needing transportation should call the Monroe Cancer Connection at (734) 241-8888.