Free cancer screenings for underinsured workers
Many New Jersey workers have little or no health insurance. As a result, they are less likely to get regular checkups and screenings. This increases their risk of life-threatening disease.
Food service employees are typically among New Jersey’s most underinsured workers. With this in mind, Virtua Health has been touring local diners – not to sample the food but to inform diner employees about cancer screening guidelines and to offer free screenings.
As part of a grant from New Jersey’s Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (CEED), Virtua offers uninsured or underinsured Burlington and Camden County residents free cancer screenings. Eligible men age 40 to 64 can receive free screenings for prostate cancer. Women age 18 to 64 can receive a free clinical breast exam and mammogram, a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Men and women over age 50 are also eligible for colorectal cancer screenings.
“We’re able to provide a potentially life-saving service at no charge through the CEED program,” says Joan Lombardi, RN, Camden County coordinator of the New Jersey CEED Program at Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program. “In turn, these employees can spread the word to co-workers and customers.”
Diner employees aren’t the only ones eligible for free screenings. For more information, call 1-888-Virtua-3.