By Juliana Menchaca

Early detection of breast cancer could be life saving. For the uninsured or underinsured, it may be difficult to get the help necessary to do so.

Inner Images Inc. recently formed a partnership with Breast Cancer Prevention Fund who has received a $500,000 grant to provide free mammograms and clinical breast exams to women throughout southern California who lack the resources necessary.

On June 26 from 8 am to 5 pm, women who need to be screened for breast cancer can attend the free mammogram health fair clinic hosted by Inner Images Inc. in collaboration with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Northeast Valley Health Corporation, and Samuel Dixon Family Health Center.

Terry Bucknall, Director of Women’s Imaging Services at the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, stated, “It’s important for community members to take advantage of this free screening clinic. This is a one time opportunity and we are not sure if it will be offered again.”

Bucknall stresses that this free screening clinic is a way for women to get the necessary help and attention they need that they would otherwise not be able to receive, in order to better prevent the threat of breast cancer.

“If a woman’s breast cancer is detected early the benefits are incredible. There are better treatment options and less invasive procedures,” Bucknall said. “It means we can treat her easier and we have a better chance of saving her life.”

If you wish to attend this free health fair clinic, appointments are necessary, no walk-ins welcome. Inner Images Inc. requests that patients have a clinical breast exam within 30 days prior to their mammogram.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact Silvia Sanchez, at the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center at (661) 424-1220 or the Women’s Health Department of NEVHC at (661) 287-1551.