Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Resources for Wood River and the Metro East

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of Wood River, we wanted to share some information that might be useful to our neighbors throughout the Metro East.

Below you’ll find breast cancer screening recommendations, nearby healthcare providers, and ways to support the American Cancer Society. We’re also highlighting Chevrolet’s continued involvement in the cause, including a pink Corvette pace car returning to NASCAR this fall. And if you visit our dealership this October, you’ll notice a donation display in our showroom.

Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. While it’s much less common, men can develop breast cancer, too.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, when it may be easier to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends the following for women at average risk:

• Ages 40–44: Have the option to begin yearly mammograms.
• Ages 45–54: Get a mammogram every year.
• Ages 55 and older: Continue yearly mammograms or switch to every other year.

People with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need a different screening schedule. Talk with a healthcare professional about what’s appropriate for you.

Read the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines.

Where to Get a Mammogram Near Wood River, IL

If you’ve been meaning to schedule a mammogram, there are local options in Alton and Maryville.

Alton Memorial Hospital Breast Health Services

1 Memorial Drive, Alton, IL 62002

Alton Memorial Hospital offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, including 3D mammography.

Information: (618) 463-7426
Schedule a screening: (618) 463-7647

Alton Memorial Hospital mammography services

Anderson Hospital’s Friends of Hope Breast Diagnostic Center

2227 Vadalabene Drive, Maryville, IL 62062

The Friends of Hope Breast Diagnostic Center offers 3D screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, and other breast health services.

Scheduling: (618) 391-6820, ext. 1

Anderson Hospital breast screening services

Free Mammograms for Eligible Illinois Residents

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) provides free mammograms and other screening services to eligible Illinois women who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover these services. There’s no income requirement, although age and other eligibility requirements apply.

Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health or call 888-522-1282 to learn more.

Chevrolet’s Partnership with the American Cancer Society

Chevrolet is marking its 16th consecutive year supporting the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® initiative in 2026.

This year, a specially wrapped pink Corvette Stingray will pace NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega Superspeedway on October 25 and Martinsville Speedway on November 1.

Chevrolet is also making donations tied to Team Chevy drivers’ top-10 finishes at five races and caution laps led by the Corvette at Talladega and Martinsville, with a combined potential contribution of up to $50,000. Chevrolet reports raising more than $1.7 million for the American Cancer Society in 2025.

Learn more on our Chevrolet and American Cancer Society page or read Chevrolet’s 2026 campaign announcement.

Make a Contribution at Jack Schmitt Chevrolet

If you’ve visited us recently, you may have noticed the pink Making Strides Against Breast Cancer donation display in our Wood River showroom. You can scan its QR code to reach the donation page, or use the link below if you’re reading on your phone.

Make a contribution online

There’s no need to visit the dealership to participate. The link works wherever you are.

Other Ways to Get Involved This October

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events bring together survivors, families, volunteers, and supporters. You can find a Making Strides event in the St. Louis area or elsewhere, or learn more about the American Cancer Society’s work.

And helping doesn’t always involve money. Offering a ride to an appointment, checking in on someone going through treatment, or reminding a family member to schedule a screening can matter just as much.

A Reminder Worth Sharing

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to catch up on screenings and support people in our community who are affected by the disease.

We hope these resources are useful to our customers, friends, and neighbors throughout Wood River and the Metro East.

From all of us at Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of Wood River, thank you for helping spread the word.

The American Cancer Society does not endorse any product or service. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® is a registered trademark of the American Cancer Society, Inc.