Early Detection Saves Lives: Health Partnership Focuses on Breast Cancer Screening and Education
By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to remind the women in our lives, and ourselves, about the importance of breast health and routine screening.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, other than skin cancer. In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
The good news is that screening can help find breast cancer early, when it is often easier to treat. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk receive a mammogram every two years. Women should talk with their health care provider about their individual risk factors and the screening schedule that is right for them.
Chief Health Officer Tiffany Swanson, DO, says, “At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), prevention is an important part of the care we provide. That’s why we partner with Diagnostic Imaging Centers to bring mobile mammography directly to our Olathe campus. Throughout the year, our Women’s Health team and other HPC providers help patients schedule or access mammograms through the mobile coach and other community imaging partners.”
We have two more mobile mammography dates available this year: Friday, Oct. 9, and Monday, Nov. 9. Patients, staff and community members may call 913-276-7098 to schedule a mammogram.
For women who are uninsured and meet eligibility guidelines, our staff can also help connect them with Kansas Early Detection Works, a program that provides breast and cervical cancer screening services to eligible Kansas women. For breast cancer screening, the program currently serves eligible uninsured women ages 40 to 64 who meet income guidelines.
Make Your Health a Priority
There are also steps women can take to help lower their risk of breast cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting or avoiding alcohol and not smoking.
Most importantly, don’t put off your mammogram.
Throughout October, HPC staff are encouraged to wear pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We invite our patients, partners and community members to join us—wear pink throughout October to help raise awareness, show support for those impacted by breast cancer and remind the women in your life about the importance of regular screenings.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to talk about breast health, but these conversations—and screenings—are important all year long. Be sure to make time to schedule your mammogram and remind family and friends to do the same.
Early detection can save lives. Make the appointment.
Encourage someone you love to make theirs, too.
For more information about breast cancer screening, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) breast cancer screening resources at cdc.gov/breast-cancer.
