UMMC’s See, Test and Treat promotes preventative health care with free cancer screenings
Published on Monday, March 31, 2025
By: Jewell Davis, jdavis25@umc.edu
Early detection can save lives, and the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is committed to making cancer screenings accessible to the community.
The See, Test and Treat event aims to provide free cervical, breast, oral and lung cancer screenings for qualifying uninsured and underinsured women and men. The See, Test and Treat program seeks to reduce cancer deaths and provide health education to participants.
The CCRI and the College of American Pathologists Foundation are hosting the event on Saturday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 11a.m. at the CCRI outpatient clinics at the Jackson Medical Mall.
Dr. Varsha Manucha, professor of pathology and section director for the Division of Cytopathology, serves as the lead pathologist for the screening event and witnesses the direct impact the program has on patients, medical students, residents and the community.
“As a pathologist leading the See, Test, and Treat program, I embrace the opportunity to step out from behind the paraffin curtain and the microscope to stand at the forefront of patient care. This initiative allows us to directly impact the lives of underinsured women, ensuring that screening for breast and cervical cancer is not just a process, but a pathway to hope. Knowing that we can make a real difference—that early detection can save lives—makes this work deeply meaningful,” she said.
Cancer screenings and education will include age-appropriate mammograms for women ages 40-64 and cervical cancer screening with a Pap test for women ages 21-64. Additionally, oral and lung cancer screenings will be available for men and women: oral cancer screenings for those ages 21-64 and lung cancer screenings for those ages 50-80 who are current or former smokers. Eligible participants will receive a free low-dose CT screening exam.
Dr. Lisa Haynie, professor of nursing, has performed pap smears with UMMC School of Nursing faculty members and practitioner students since the screening event’s inception.
"I am honored to participate in See, Test, and Treat each year. As a rural health nurse practitioner, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact these events have on uninsured and underinsured women. These initiatives not only provide essential health services but also equip women with the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their well-being," she said.
Participants will receive prompt results to ensure timely follow-up. Clinicians will be on site to discuss any findings or to answer questions regarding follow-up care.
Bethany Sabins, nurse practitioner in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has also been actively involved in See, Test and Treat since its inception. She expressed her enthusiasm for the screening event, calling it one of her favorite UMMC-supported initiatives.
“Being able to be a part of an event that provides vital cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured patients is rewarding and can have long lasting positive impacts for patients, as well as those volunteering at the event. I am excited that this year we are able to add lung cancer screening and can’t wait to see how we are able to continue to grow the event each year. Not only are we able to provide screening, we are also able to provide great educational opportunities for patients that empower them to be their own advocate for their health, as well as educate their family and friends,” said Sabins.
Registration remains open for the See, Test and Treat event. Potential participants can call 601-815-3572 to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment.