The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Supports Breast Health All Year
October 13, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Supports Breast Health All Year
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
WARRENTON, Va. – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but you can ensure breast health year-round through your lifestyle habits. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District shares resources and local partners that can provide support and preventative care to women in need.
“Breast health deserves our attention throughout the year, not just in October,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Early detection through appropriate screening can save lives, improve treatment options, and give individuals and families greater peace of mind. We encourage women to talk with their healthcare providers about their breast cancer risk and recommended screenings. We also recognize that cost and access to care can be barriers, and we encourage eligible women who are uninsured or have limited resources to explore Virginia’s Every Woman’s Life program. Together, through awareness, early detection, and community support, we can help more women take steps to protect their health and well-being.”
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District share steps you can do to protect your breasts:
Avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol can increase levels of hormones, including estrogen. Estrogen plays a role in breast cancer development. Your risk increases with the more you drink.
Control your weight. Older women who are overweight or obese after menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Stay active. Exercise can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. For those who have been diagnosed, it can reduce the risk of recurrence and help with side effects from treatment. Physical activity can include walking, biking, running, dancing, swimming, gardening, even chasing after your children or grandchildren.
Avoid smoking. It’s best to never start but it’s never too late to quit. Smoking increases the risk of breast disease and breast cancer. Quitting can reduce your risk and improve outcomes after breast surgery.
Breastfeed your babies. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding for 12 months or longer shows a greater protective benefit.
Get regular mammograms. Women should have a mammogram at least every other year beginning at age 40. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers free breast cancer screenings to uninsured, low-income women through the Every Woman’s Life (EWL) program. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District works with the following community partner to provide EWL services:
University of Virginia health system
Emily Baron 434-243-9782
24 hour message line 434-243-6415
These providers will determine eligibility and schedule necessary appointments for those who are eligible.
If you have questions about the EWL program, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District or visit the EWL webpage.
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