Doctor signs up ‘remarkable number’ in detection effort

BRIDGTON – Dr. Ronald M. Cilley, an obstetrician/gynecologist, has been honored for his commitment to enrolling northern Cumberland County patients in a comprehensive breast and cervical cancer early detection program.

Sharon Jerome, program director for the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program in Augusta, praised Cilley, along with his staff, Jill Hobbs, R.N., and Donna Murch, office manager, for enrolling 50 women in the program over the past 18 months.

“Early detection is the best way to combat breast and cervical cancer,” noted Jerome, “the program, funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes it possible to save lives by offering cancer screening to more women in Maine”

“Dr. Cilley’s office enrolled a remarkable number of women in such a short time,” she said.

Cilley said he’s committed to the program “for a very personal reason. My wife, Carolyn, is a breast cancer survivor and her mother, Rosina Marie Carlise, died from breast cancer. As a family, we were pleased to name the mammography suite in the new Bridgton Hospital in her honor and memory. It’s very critical that women have regular screenings.”

Guidelines for eligibility in the program include being over the age of 40, meeting income guidelines and having little or no insurance. Special emphasis is on women over 50. Funding is through a cooperative agreement with the CDC, providing approximately $1.7 million per year, with matched funding from the state.

For further information, women can call the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program toll-free line, at 1-800-350-5180. Bridgton Hospital will host a screening on Oct. 25 for women through this program.