The Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center at Emanuel Medical Center will be using a $20,000 grant from the Bill and Elise Ahlem Cancer Endowment will provide free mammograms and any necessary follow-up tests to women in need.

The free screenings are available to the first 100 qualified women who sign up. Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms, which makes screening even more important. Emanuel Medical Center follows the American College of Radiology guidelines for mammography. The ACR recommends annual screening mammography for women starting at age 40.

“The cancer endowment was created by the generous gifts of people in this community to provide important cancer treatment and support services for the community,” said Michael Iltis, the executive director of Emanuel Cancer Center. “We’re extremely grateful for the grant, because mammograms are important cancer-screening tools that save lives.”

People can help support the mission of the Bill and Elise Ahlem Cancer Endowment through the month of October by purchasing a pink T-shirt from Turlock Fire Local #2434, which donates all the proceeds to the endowment. Shirts are available for purchase at the gift shop at Emanuel Medical Center. Last year’s efforts brought in more than $20,000 for the endowment and over the years the fundraising campaign has netted more than $80,000 in funds.

To schedule a mammogram, call the Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center at 664-4620.