Coral Springs, Florida -- In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Women's Diagnostic & Wellness Center at Broward Health Coral Springs is offering free mammograms to qualifying women, thanks to generous support from the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund.

The Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund was founded in 2003 by Vincent and Terry Boccard in support of Vincent's sister Lisa, now deceased, and her fight with breast cancer. The non-profit funds breast care for women who are financially unable to obtain mammograms and advanced, high-quality breast imaging and biopsies, as well as breast cancer treatments if necessary.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 250,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women annually and 42,000 die each year from it.

“While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, lifestyle changes may help lower the risk,” said Jared Smith, CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs. “Early detection, however, can save lives, which is why it’s important for women to schedule a mammogram. Now, through the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund, underserved women in Broward County can schedule a free mammogram at Broward Health Coral Springs.”

A highly experienced team of technologists and radiologists are sensitive to a woman's needs and at the Women’s Center have access to the latest technology with a full-field digital mammography system. This new technology enables radiologists to detect and characterize suspicious or obscure lesions more precisely. For high risk patients, a breast MRI is available to detect miniscule breast cancers that mammography or breast exams might miss.

To be eligible for a free mammogram, a woman must be a resident of Broward County. Each situation is assessed individually, and eligibility depends on income and/or lack of insurance. Call 954.346.5362 to make an appointment. For more information visit BrowardHealth.org/LisaBoccardFund.

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.