As a service to uninsured and underinsured Rhode Island women, Newport Hospital will be offering free screening mammograms and breast exams on Saturday, April 13, from 9am to noon.

According to a release from Newport Hospital, any Rhode Island women 40 years or older who do not have health insurance that covers a screening mammogram can call 845-1551 for an appointment. If interested, you'll need to call for an appointment by April 6.

The exams and mammograms will be done at Newport Hospital, and the hospital will provide transportation and interpreter services for anyone who requires them.

Breast cancer strikes one out of eight women, and early detection is essential. Newport Hospital uses digital mammography, which was shown in a 2005 study to detect 28% more breast cancers in women under the age of 50 than conventional mammography.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.