These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Check for warning signs
You can ask"Is this a regular check, or did you notice something new?"
You can say"Finding cancer early makes it much easier to treat. Most tests come back normal."
2Which test, and when
Breast: a mammogram every 2 years for women 40 to 74.
Cervical: a Pap or HPV test for women 21 to 65, every 3 to 5 years.
Colon: starting at age 45, for men and women. A simple stool test done at home (a FIT kit) once a year, or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Lung: a yearly low-dose CT scan for people 50 to 80 who smoked a lot (about a pack a day for 20 years) and still smoke or quit in the last 15 years.
3Free breast and cervical screening
NM Department of Health
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
833-525-1811
· Weekdays
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Breast and cervical cancer screening
575-538-5318
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
Bring
- ID if they have one, proof of income if they have it, and any insurance card
4Colon and lung tests through a regular doctor
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Gila Regional Family Medicine Clinic
Family medicine clinic
575-534-0400
3185 N Leslie Rd, Silver City
You can say"Ask the doctor for an at-home colon test kit. You do it in private and mail it back or drop it off."
American Cancer Society
Cancer helpline, rides and lodging
800-227-2345
· 24/7
5Getting there and getting results
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
HMS patient transportation (rides to HMS appointments)
575-800-1467
Silver City · Mon-Fri; pick-up times vary by location. Closed weekends.
Corre Caminos Public Transit
Curb-to-curb ride by reservation (demand response)
575-388-3180
3033 Highway 180 East, Silver City · Book Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:50pm; rides run same days and hours as bus routes
At the Gospel MissionFree mail at the Mission, so results letters don't get lost.
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.