FARMINGTON -- Women who get a cancer screening through either of the health department's South Davis clinics during April or May, will receive a flower.

The flower is a gift from J&L Garden Center, which has partnered with the Davis County Health Department in a campaign to "spring into action," by getting an annual cancer screening exam. The health department offers free or reduced cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to qualified women. Many women, even some with health insurance, qualify. The exam is conducted by a female registered nurse, and includes a clinical breast exam, Pap test, and a free mammogram voucher for those who are eligible. Appointments for the examinations are available weekly.

On Mondays, the exams are offered at the health department's clinic, 596 W. 750 South in Woods Cross. They are also available the first Thursday of the month at Lakeview Hospital, 620 E. Medical Drive, with mammograms available at the time of the examination.

Melody Badali, a nurse screener with the health department said that mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Without mammography, a woman may go another one to three years before even detecting a lump.

Additionally, most cervical cancer deaths could be avoided if women had a regular Pap test.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 451-3230.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com