Every Woman Counts offers screenings, classes

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Orange County Health Care Agency is promoting its Every Woman Counts Program. Leisure World resident and community health worker Tila Gandara Carrol, R.N., offers one-on-one or small group (two to three people) classes to women interested in learning why it’s important to be screened for breast and cervical cancers, as well as how and where to get free mammograms and Pap tests.

According to SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. About 85 percent of those cases occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. It is the second most commonly diagnoised cancer among women, with cervical cancer coming in fourth. The Every Woman Counts program provides free screenings and diagnostic services to California residents who are at least 40 years old, have low income, have no or limited insurance, and are unable to get these services through Medi-Cal or another government-sponsored program. For additional information or to schedule a class, contact Carrol at (562) 433-7109. And to learn more about the signs of breast cancer, visit dhcs.ca.gov/EWC.