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Bronxville Hospital Wins State Grant To Increase Cancer Screenings

BRONXVILLE, N. Y. -- Offcials with New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital say they plan to use newly awarded state grant money to fund a full-time person to work exclusively on helping get women in for mammograms.

New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hosptial has been awarded a state grant that is part of a statewide initiative to increase breast cancer screenings.

New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hosptial has been awarded a state grant that is part of a statewide initiative to increase breast cancer screenings.

Photo Credit: New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital/Facebook

In addition to bringing on a full-time navigator, the hospital's Carol H. Taylor Breast Health Center will offer expanded hours for breast screening. The center's new hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

The three-year state grant is part of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $90 million initiative to increase breast cancer screening statewide by 10 percent over the next five years, hospital officials said. Hospital officials say they were encouraged to apply for the grant since the Bronxville hospital is one of 37 centers in the state with accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

The purpose of the newly created navigator position is have someone work full-time on solving the problems that keep women from getting their mammograms. Some of the responsibilities may include arranging transportation or helping women find center locations, officials said.

“Studies clearly show that access to screening programs is important, and that some patients experience barriers to obtaining taking part in these initiatives," said Dr. Michelle Azu, director of breast surgical services for the hospital. "Our goal is to reach multiple patients populations, and enhance breast cancer screening for all women meeting the criteria."

Hospital officials said early detection is important, as is annual screening, even for people who may not be considered high risk. "Seventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history and are not considered to be at high risk," said Dr. Lynn R. Chinitz, director of the hospital's Carol H. Taylor Breast Health Center.

To schedule an appointment, call (914)-787-5008. For more details, visit the hospital's website.

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