Bloomingdale Doctor to Offer Free Breast Cancer Counseling Oct. 24

Women should never be deterred from having a mammogram due to expense, said Dr. Anita Patel, certified family medical physician at Primary Medical Clinic in Brandon, 153 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon.

"This simple test can prevent a deadly cancer," said Patel. "And it is not that expensive to get a mammogram," even for those without insurance.

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Patel will host an open house at her medical clinic Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., during which she will provide free breast cancer counseling for women, educationl materials about breast cancer and refreshments. Patel also is offering a discounted rate for noninsured patients to receive a mammogram.

Patel said this is part of her mission is to educate and provide comprehensive, compassionate care to her patients.

"I opened this medical clinic with a strong passion to deliver the best of health care to the Brandon community," she said.

A mammogram is a breast X-ray used for early detection of breast cancer. It is recommended yearly starting at age 40. A clinical breast examination, in which a doctor or nurse examines the breast for lumps or irregularities, is recommended once every three years starting at age 20, then once a year at age 40 and up.

The typical cost for an uninsured patient ranges from $80 to $120. 

For women with insurance, mammograms usually are covered in the recommended age bracket. Some plans require no out-of-pocket expenses while others charge a copay of $10 to $35.

The American Cancer Society offers a primer on early detection of breast cancer. Only two to four of every 1,000 women who undergo a mammogram end up receiving a diagnosis of cancer.

In addition to breast cancer screenings, Patel will offer Bp screening tests to detect hypertensive heart disease, a silent killer. 

Patel was born in India and had medical training in India. She completed her residency in family medicine in 2006. Her husband is a urologist and they are the parents of two young boys.

Patel is an avid runner, enjoys cooking, dancing, music, and is a firm believer in healthy living. 

For more information, contact the office at 813-654-5331.