St. Lawrence County Health Initiative offers a variety of cancer services at no cost to the public.

The services were once provided by the county, but the Health Initiative took over the responsibility several years ago with funding from the state Health Department.

To be eligible for the service, people must have no health insurance, meet age requirements and live in New York State.

Jodi Reagan, who oversees the program, says Health Initiative offers breast cancer, colorectal and cervical cancer screenings for women over 40.

She said some exceptions can be made for women under 40 who are experiencing problems.

“It’s good to ask about the screenings because even if we can’t offer it we may be able to help with the cost,” she said.

Reagan said prostate cancer screenings are offered in a similar fashion to men.

“There are still a lot of people out there who don’t realize we do this,” she said.

Although St. Lawrence County has a high rate of lung cancer, the Health Initiative does not offer lung cancer screenings.

“We do not offer screenings for lung cancer at this point,” she said.

She said screenings are dictated by which grants the Health Initiative is able to secure.

Anyone interested in learning more about the St. Lawrence County Cancer program should call 261-4760.