Program offers free breast cancer screening to Collin County women
Reported December 26, 2007
Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano is offering free breast cancer screening to Collin Countys underserved populations.
The program, made possible through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, targets Hispanic, Asian and low income women, said Emily Gentry, womens services coordination for Baylor Plano.
Gentry said the program is targeting these populations because historically they dont seek out screenings for early detection of the disease.
Many of these women dont seek screenings for a varietry of reasons. They have limited access to health care or no insurance, Gentry said. When we reach these women, were finding that they have cancer at a more advanced stage. If we can catch it early enough, we can increase their survival rate.
The program called Breast Care for a Lifetime, takes health care educators into churches, schools and community events to teach women about the risk factors and lifestyle factors involved in breast cancer. It also teaches women how to conduct montly self examinations. It also offers information on the various tests available to check for breast cancer.
Bilingual educators such as Baylor Planos community outreach coordinator Natzara McNally, are on hand to make sure women understand the information. To qualify for the free digital mammogram, the woman must be at least 40 years old and had no mammogram within the last year. They also must be free of lumps or any other specific breast health concerns, Gentry said.
Often the fear of finding cancer or other problems prevent women from seeking out early diagnostic measures. Gentry said should the mammogram indicate a problem, the woman would be referred to Baylors financial counselors who will provide them with resources for financial health. In some cases, the patient might even qualify for Baylors own charity program.
So far, the program has educated more than 500 women on breast health and has conducted 200 risk assessments. Six women have undergone the free digital mammogram, all with clean results, Gentry said.
We will continue to educate the women in the community to seek early detection because we know it makes a difference in the survival rate, she said.
The next education program is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan.12 at Saint Marks Catholic Church,1100 West 15th St., in Plano. For information, call 469-814-6753.
Contact Lynn Proctor Windle at [email protected]
