Women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured can take advantage of free breast cancer screenings this October at all five Memorial Health hospitals. The screenings are part of Memorial’s annual Mammogram Mondays program, held each year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Appointments are required, as no walk-ins will be accepted. In addition to the screenings, women will receive educational materials on breast health, including guidance on performing self-exams.

Screenings will be available at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Each location is supported by its local hospital foundation, and women can call their nearest hospital to schedule an appointment.

According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, women age 40 and older should receive mammograms every year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., and health experts stress that early detection saves lives.