Make Your Health a Priority This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A Survivor’s Voice: The Importance of Early Detection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those who have battled breast cancer, celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and remind the women in our lives just how important it is to make their health a priority.

At Griswold, this month holds a special meaning as we recognize one of our very own team members who is a breast cancer survivor. Her journey reflects strength, courage, hope, and resilience, and she wants to use her experience to encourage other women to take an important step in protecting their health.

Why Mammograms Matter

Life gets busy. Between work, family, and taking care of everyone around us, it’s easy for women to put their own health on the back burner. We tell ourselves we’ll make that appointment next month or when things slow down.

But when it comes to breast health, making time for recommended screenings matters.

Mammograms can detect changes in breast tissue before symptoms appear. Finding breast cancer early can provide more treatment options and improve the chances of successful treatment.

For women who have experienced breast cancer firsthand, the importance of regular screenings takes on an entirely new meaning.

A Message From One of Our Own

As a breast cancer survivor, Lisa Peters understands how quickly life can change and how important it is to listen to your body, advocate for your health, and stay on top of recommended screenings.

Her hope in sharing her story is simple: to encourage other women not to delay taking care of themselves.

“One of the scariest moments of my life was hearing the words, ‘You have cancer,’” she said.

Thankfully, her cancer was detected early. Lisa considers herself fortunate and her experience a powerful reminder of the importance of screenings and early detection.

“Early detection can save lives. Please prioritize your health, keep up with your screenings, and encourage the women you love to do the same.”

Make Yourself a Priority

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It’s about conversations, education, support, and action.

Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should begin mammograms and how often you should be screened based on your age, family history, and personal risk factors. If you notice a change in your breasts, don’t wait for your next scheduled screening to have it evaluated.

At Griswold, caring for others is at the heart of what we do. But we also believe that taking care of yourself is just as important.

This October, we encourage every woman to make her health a priority, schedule any recommended screenings, and remind the women she loves to do the same.

Take the Next Step: Breast Cancer Screening Resources in New Jersey

Early detection matters, and access to screenings should never be overlooked. If you have been putting off your mammogram because of cost, lack of insurance, or simply not knowing where to go, there are resources available right here in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) Program offers free breast cancer screenings to eligible uninsured and underinsured residents.

To find out if you qualify or locate a screening provider near you, call 1-800-328-3838 or visit nj.gov/health/cancer/njceed.
A simple phone call could be the first step toward protecting your health.

Several of the following organizations are listed by the New Jersey Department of Health as NJCEED screening providers or program contacts. Others listed below have at times promoted free or discounted screenings.

Atlantic County

Atlantic County Woman’s Health Clinic (two locations)
Still Water Building – 201 S Shore Rd – Northfield, NJ 08225
310 Bellevue Ave – Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-645-5933

Atlantic Medical Imaging
609-677-9729

Advanced Shore Imaging Associates
609-380-4175
2605 Shore Rd
Northfield NJ 08225

Shore Medical Center, Somers Point
609-653-3484
NJCEED screening program for eligible Atlantic County residents.

Camden County

Cooper University Health Care
856-968-7308

Virtua Health NJCEED
200 Bowman Drive, Vorhees, NJ 08043
856-247-7386 or 800-328-3838

NBCF (National Breast Cancer Foundation)
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
2 Cooper Plaza
Camden, NJ 08103
856-968-7308

AMI (Atlantic Medical Imaging) Foundation
485 Williamstown Rd
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
856-459-3855

Cape May County

Cape May County Department of Health (Crest Haven)
Cape May Court House
609-465-1047
Offers mammogram referrals and screening services for eligible residents.

Cumberland County

Inspira Medical Center Vineland
856-641-8684

New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection
1-800-328-3838
They will direct patients where to go.

Complete Care
484 S. Brewster Rd
Vineland, NJ 08360
856-451-4700

Atlantic Medical Imaging
2848 S. Delsea Drive
Suite C1-A
Vineland NJ 08360
856-285-7777

Monmouth County

The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center
Multiple locations in Monmouth and Ocean County
732-923-7700
Offers free mammograms and clinical breast exams for uninsured women through the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program, Ocean County (NJCEED).

VNA Health Group, Children & Family Health Institute (Freehold)
732-933-3952
Provides access to NJCEED screening services for eligible Monmouth County residents.

Monmouth Family Health Center (MFHC)
270 Broadway, Long Branch, New Jersey
732-923-7100
Provides comprehensive women’s wellness and breast health screenings with a sliding-scale fee structure based on income for patients without insurance.

Ocean County

Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI)
Multiple local locations including: 1430 Hooper Ave & 222 Oak Ave, Toms River, NJ
Periodically offers special programs (such as free screening mammograms during October for eligible uninsured women age 40 and older with no prior breast issues), and provides self-referral options. You can call them directly at 732-223-9729 to ask about self-pay or financial assistance rates.

The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center
Multiple locations in Monmouth and Ocean County
732-923-7700
Offers free mammograms and clinical breast exams for uninsured women through the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program, Ocean County (NJCEED).

Ocean County Health Department
175 Sunset Ave, Toms River, NJ
732-341-9700
Connects uninsured residents with local breast cancer screening resources and state-funded programs like NJCEED (which covers women age 40 to 64 with incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level).

VNA Health Group, Ocean County NJCEED Program
732-933-3952
Program administration is based in Freehold, but services are available to Ocean County residents.

Additional statewide resources

NJ Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED): Call 1-800-328-3838, then press 3, for information on free screening eligibility and local providers.

ScreenNJ: Offers free patient navigation assistance, including help with screening appointments, qualification and transportation. Call 833-727-3665.

NJCEED Screening Location Directory: A statewide directory with county-specific provider information and contact numbers.
LINK: https://healthapps.nj.gov/cancer/njceed.aspx

American Cancer Society
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Website: https://www.cancer.org/
Offers cancer screening information, patient navigation resources, and assistance locating support services and financial resources.

American Breast Cancer Foundation, Key to Life Program
Provides financial assistance for breast cancer screening and diagnostic testing to eligible individuals who face financial barriers.
Website: https://www.abcf.org/