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. It’s important to note, when it comes to breast health, making time for recommended screenings matters.

Mammograms can detect changes in breast tissue before symptoms ever 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 Florida

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 Florida.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program helps eligible women access free or low-cost mammograms and other cancer screening services. The program is designed to assist Florida residents who meet certain age, income, and insurance requirements.

Hospitals, breast imaging centers, and community health organizations throughout Southwest and South Florida also offer mammography services. Some provide financial assistance.

The following resources serve residents of Broward, Collier, Lee and Monroe counties, where our Griswold offices operate. Contact each organization to confirm screening availability, eligibility, insurance requirements, and potential financial assistance.

Broward County

Florida Department of Health in Broward County
Phone: 954-762-3649
Offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women through Florida’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Services include mammograms, diagnostic testing when necessary, and care coordination. Eligibility is based on age, income, insurance status, and residency.

Broward Health, Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund
Phone: 954-346-5722 or 954-346-5362
Provides funding for screening mammograms and breast cancer treatment for eligible Broward County residents. Eligibility is assessed individually based on financial need and insurance coverage.

Broward Health, Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center
1600 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-468-5219
Offers breast imaging services, including screening and diagnostic mammography. Ask about financial assistance and special screening programs.

Memorial Healthcare System & Community Foundation of Broward
Offers free mobile mammogram screenings and outreach across neighborhoods like Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and West Park. Call 954-265-5977 for appointment details.

Collier County (Naples)

ProScan Women’s Imaging at NCH
2320 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34109
Phone: 239-624-4443
Provides mammography and breast imaging services, including diagnostic evaluations. Contact the center about insurance, self-pay rates, and financial assistance options.

Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Phone: 941-861-2676 or 941-861-2928
Serves eligible women in Collier County, including Naples and surrounding communities. Provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings based on program requirements.

Women’s Care Center
3015 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112
Offers free support and services locally.
Phone: (239) 423-9030 or (239) 404-7275 

Lee County (Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero)

Florida Department of Health in Lee County
Phone: 239-332-9535
Offers eligible women access to free or low-cost mammograms, clinical breast exams, and necessary diagnostic services through the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Lee Health Breast Health Center, The Sanctuary
8960 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-343-9450
Provides screening and diagnostic mammography and additional breast imaging services.

Lee Health Breast Health Center, Coconut Point
23450 Via Coconut Point, Estero, FL 34135|
Phone: 239-468-0055
Convenient for residents of Bonita Springs and Estero. Offers mammography services and access to additional breast health evaluations.

Lee Health, Compassionate Mammogram Fund
Helps provide breast cancer screening resources for Southwest Florida residents who may face financial barriers. Contact Lee Health to ask about the fund’s availability and qualification requirements.

Monroe County (Florida Keys)

Good Health Clinic
Tavernier 
Phone: 305-853-1788
Free medical care eligible uninsured Keys residents.

Zonta Club of Key West
Phone: 305-294-4004
Free mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women in Key West and Lower Keys.

Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Phone: 305-470-5634
Monroe County residents, including women living throughout the Florida Keys, are served through the Miami-Dade regional program. Eligible women can receive assistance accessing breast cancer screenings and related diagnostic services.

Lower Keys Medical Center, Women’s Imaging Services
5900 College Road, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-294-5531
Provides access to mammography and breast imaging services for residents of the Lower Florida Keys. Contact the hospital to confirm current imaging locations, scheduling, and financial assistance options.

Additional Regional and/or Statewide Resources

Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc.
Provides free mammograms and breast care services for eligible, uninsured, or low-income residents in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties.
Phone: (239) 454-8583

Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Phone: 850-245-4144
A statewide program providing free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible Florida residents. Qualifications generally include age, income, insurance coverage, and residency requirements.

Florida Cancer Connect
Provides information about cancer prevention, screening, treatment, insurance resources, and support services. Also offers information about financial assistance programs.

American Cancer Society
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
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.

Please note: Not every facility listed provides free mammograms directly. Screening costs, insurance coverage, eligibility, and financial assistance vary. Contact the organization before scheduling to confirm available services.