News Release

Town Teams with Beaufort Memorial Hospital for Breast Health Event

October 17, 2023

The Town of Hilton Head Island is committed to making sure its residents have access to the best health care. That’s why it has partnered with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to help fight the growing medical issue of breast cancer in our community with a complimentary public event.

In honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beaufort Memorial’s mobile wellness unit will be at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, 28 Shelter Cove Lane, on Monday, October 30, from 9 am to 1 pm.

On that day, anyone visiting Shelter Cove will have access to free clinical breast exams, on-site scheduling for mammograms at any of Beaufort Memorial’s three mammography locations, and breast health experts for questions and information about screenings and resources for breast cancer patients. A board-certified nurse practitioner will conduct the clinical exams. Appointments are not required for this event.

In addition to clinical breast exams, other free health screenings, such as blood pressure checks for hypertension and blood sugar checks for diabetes, will be available.

It’s important to note that a clinical breast exam differs from a mammogram. During a clinical breast exam, the clinician will examine the breasts and underarm area for abnormalities or areas of concern. If further testing is deemed necessary, the clinician may recommend a diagnostic mammogram or provide referrals for follow-up services.

If needed, Beaufort Memorial will be able to schedule 3D screening mammograms at the new Beaufort Memorial Island Imaging Center, located at 40 Palmetto Parkway on Hilton Head Island, or either of the Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Centers in Okatie and Beaufort.

The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammography screening starting at age 40 for women with an average risk of developing breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer, particularly at the localized stage, yields a 5-year relative survival rate of 99 percent. 

For more information on clinical breast exams, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org/clinical-breast-exam/.

To learn more about Beaufort Memorial’s breast health program, please visit www.BeaufortMemorial.org/BreastHealthEvent.