As most women know if you are over 40 years old mammograms are a must.
Despite that reminder many Latinas are still not getting the message.
To help raise awareness about this issue, the Northgate Gonzalez supermarket chain and the Susan G. Komen organization have formed a partnership to help thousands of women with health services.
The program is part of Northgate’s wellness program which includes a monthly event offering mammograms and breast exams at the store level.
Today's stop was at the Northgate in City Heights. Organizers say the in-store location is more accessible to women who would not otherwise go to the doctor for a mammogram.
It is a critical issue especially among Latinas who hold the highest number of breast cancer-related deaths.
A fact mainly due to socio-economics and also since many often wait to see a doctor. By then tumors are found too late leaving them with less options for treatment.
Health
As a result, the partnership hopes to make things easier by offering these services for free and by educating the community at the same time.
"I'm not 40 yet but I've had a breast exam and I make sure that I check myself all the time it's very important at any age that a women really does know her body and takes care of herself,” Said Teresa Blanco with Northgate Gonzalez Market.
Northgate is still planning next month's event. It will either be in Coronado or Chula Vista.
The services are free, but there are a few requirements. You have to be at least 40 years old, under-insured or have no insurance and have not had a mammogram within the last year.
Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.
