CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- -- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton’s Breast Health Clinic is now open to all TRICARE beneficiaries with expanded clinic hours, walk-in services and an option to self-refer. These changes are a part of NHCP’s newest health initiative to promote breast cancer screening.

“Early detection is the key to survival and mammograms are our single best tool for detecting breast cancer,” said Lt. Cmdr. Wayne Murphy, head of Breast Imaging, NHCP.

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology both recommended regular mammograms to ensure early breast cancer detection.

Following these recommendations, the NHCP Breast Health Clinic has implemented changes to make mammography services more convenient. These changes include expanding clinic hours from 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday-Friday with additional walk-in hours from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. Monday-Friday and, depending on the demand, a Saturday clinic once a month.

The majority of women can self-refer for a mammogram screening without needing an order from their doctor. Women, 40-years-old and over, without breast concerns can call the Breast Health Clinic to schedule an appointment. Women with breast concerns, such as breast lumps or abnormal nipple discharge, should be evaluated first by their doctor.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Breast Health Clinic at (760) 719-3742 or visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/cpen/