LUBEC — The Regional Medical Center has received a five-year grant from the Maine Breast and Cervical Health program of $35,000 a year to establish breast and cervical cancer awareness and education.

Additional funding for related screening and treatment for low-income women will be provided also. The goal is to reach low-income women over age 40 and primarily those over age 50 who have little or no insurance.

The risk of breast and cervical cancer increases with age and one of eight women can expect to be affected. Early detection in more than 90 percent of women results in survival of five years or longer and in less surgery.

The grant will allow 60 lower-income women to receive free or low-cost breast and cervical exams at the Regional Medical Center. For information, call 733-5541.