ACS Grant will provide mammograms
Staff Report
June 10, 2008
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
"Each year we receive thousands of calls from women who want to know about screening guidelines, how to detect breast cancer and what resources are available to help pay for a mammogram," said Al Stabilito, Northeast Ohio public relations director of the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society's BEST (Breast Education Screening Together) program is one source that pays for the cost of a screening and diagnostic mammogram. BEST helps women who can't afford a mammogram or who need assistance for a variety of reasons.
The Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure recently awarded the American Cancer Society BEST program a grant for $89,000 to provide mammograms for 950 women in Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Tuscarawas Counties. This grant is strictly to help women obtain a mammogram.
"It's unfortunate, but due to various reasons some women are unable to pay for a mammogram. Loss of employment, no insurance, a high insurance deductible, or insurance that does not cover this test are the main reasons. However, with BEST there is no excuse to avoid this lifesaving test," said Stabilito.
Most women who inquire about BEST are eligible. The three factors that determine who qualifies are age, family income and being a woman.
The BEST program is offered to women ages 40 to 64. Women age 65 and over are covered by Medicare.
BEST income eligibility is determined by the number of people who reside in the household and the family's total annual income.
A single woman who earns $25,525 is eligible under the BEST program. For a woman to be eligible in a household of two the annual income can not be greater than $34,225. A family of three may not earn more than $42,925 to be eligible. A household of four can have a combined income of $51,625 and still meet the eligibility guidelines. Households with five or more people must also meet certain income guidelines.
About 182,460 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2008. About 40,480 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. Breast cancer death rates are going down. This is due to finding it early and improved treatment.
"We know mammograms are still the best tool available today to detect this type of cancer. With BEST, women do not have to wait because of their financial status," Stabilito added. "The funds are available now for women to use."
Under no circumstances do the names of women who take advantage of BEST become public knowledge. The information is between the woman and the provider. Policies and safeguards have been implemented so the names and income are never released.
The American Cancer Society recommends every woman follow a three-step approach to protect against breast cancer. This includes:
Mammography
1. Annual mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early.
2. Have a mammogram annually if you are age 40 and older.
3. If there is a history of breast cancer in the family, discuss a personal mammography-screening schedule with a health care provider.
Clinical Breast Examination
1. After age 40, get a clinical breast exam by a health care provider every year.
2. Between the ages of 20 and 39, have a clinical breast exam by a health care provider at least once every three years.
Breast Self Exam
1. Ask a health care provider to teach you the proper way to perform a thorough breast self-exam.
2. Beginning at age 20, examine your breasts monthly. If there are any lumps, thickenings or changes, report them to your doctor immediately. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but further tests may be necessary to determine your situation.
For more information about the BEST program, mammograms or breast cancer,call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1-888-227-6446, Option 2. |
