|
 |
Early Detection of Breast and Cervix Cancer
With Free Screening Exams
or Generosity Helps Fight Cancer
from Better Health magazine, Summer, 2000
If detected in the early stages, both breast and cervical cancer are often treatable. However, there are many women in Pittsylvania County who are underinsured or uninsured and lack the financial resources to pay for breast and cervical cancer screenings. A program has been developed to provide women under the age of 50 with mammograms and Pap tests at Danville Regional Medical Center - completely free of charge.
"We were able to identify women under the age of 50 who were 'falling through the crack' because they didn't qualify for other assistance programs but still needed the exams," said Bonnie Meadors, Nursing Supervisor for the Danville/Pittsylvania County Health District.
| That's when the Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, a dedicated group of volunteers, raised and donated funds to the Mammography Center at Danville Regional Medical Center so women in need could have screenings even if they couldn't afford to pay for them. At first, the funds were designated specifically for screening mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends that women have the first screening mammogram between the ages of 35 and 39 and annually after age 40. |
"Many women are not aware that these funds are available. So far, we've helped many women who otherwise wouldn't have had anywhere else to go for help." |
But then the Health Department continued to identify women who needed more help for follow-up care. So Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary donated more funds to pay for diagnostic mammograms, which provide more detailed views-and are more expensive-than screening mammograms. They also provided funds for ultrasound mammograms, which are more accurate for women with dense breast tissue. And money was donated for Pap tests and pelvic exams, which every woman needs every year.
"Many women are not aware that these funds are available," said Meadors. "So far, we've helped many women who otherwise wouldn't have had anywhere else to go for help." Once diagnosed, women can get the treatment they need through a referral network, which provides services at a reduced rate.
For more information call Verna Burnette, R.N., Coordinator, Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for the Danville/Pittsylvania County Health District at (434) 799-WELL or toll-free at 1-877-799-WELL.
Or contact the American Cancer Society.
|
