ASHLAND, Ky. — The best way to detect breast cancer early is to get screened. In fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Because it is so important to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, King’s Daughters Medical Center no longer requires a physician order for screening mammography.

King’s Daughters provides an extensive mobile mammography program and will offer services 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, at King’s Daughters Family Care Center, Ironton, 912 Park Ave.

To schedule an appointment, please call (606) 408-2742 or toll free 1-877-304-1935.

“Our goal is to make it possible for women to get the screening exam they need with as little hassle as possible,” said Debbie Miller, manager of Community Relations for King’s Daughters. “Many women told us the physician order requirement made it difficult — if not impossible — for them to follow recommended screening guidelines.”

A physician order is required for diagnostic exams: those ordered in follow-up to an abnormal screening, she noted.

“We’re committed to making early detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer accessible to all,” Miller said, “and we’re pleased to partner with others to provide mobile mammography throughout the region.”

All tests are performed by specially trained mammography technologists who use digital equipment, which results in less radiation exposure.

Mammography services are also provided at additional mobile locations and at the Breast Care Center, located in the Center for AdvancedImaging, 2225 Central Ave., Ashland.

Many insurance companies cover the entire cost of mammography; check with your insurance provider.

King’s Daughters provides a limited number of free mammograms to uninsured/underinsured women through grant funding provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For more information, please call 1-888-377-KDMC (5362).