Health Partnership Advocates Early Detection of Breast Cancer by Offering Education and Mobile Mammography
By Elizabeth Lewis, WHNP-BC, MSN, MPA-HA, BSN, RN
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Across the world, October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month’s goal is to increase awareness and support for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, but thanks to improvements in treatment and earlier detection through screenings, women do not die from breast cancer as frequently.
The death rate from breast cancer in women has dropped by 39 percent from the 1980s to 2015 (Nicola, 2018). Studies have confirmed that alcohol consumption (two to three alcoholic drinks per day), obesity and smoking increase your risk of breast cancer. Those women who are physically active on a regular basis have a 10 to 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer. This is especially the case for post-menopausal women.
Mammography
Mammography and especially early detection are important in the early treatment and management of breast cancer. And at our clinic, it is a priority. We offer women’s health services which include breast health as well as breast and cervical screening appointments. We measure and monitor the number of screenings monthly as part of our Quality Report. To date, approximately 50 percent of our female patients are screened for breast cancer.
To help increase that number, the clinic recently partnered with the American Cancer Society and Diagnostic Imaging Centers to provide mobile mammography to patients and the community—particularly to those who are uninsured on site at the Olathe location. Several current patients and new to the clinic have participated in these community events.
Download our Breast Cancer Awareness Flyer (PDF)
Next Mammography Event – Thursday, December 3, 2020
The next mobile mammography event will be Thursday, Dec. 3. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a screening, call 913-648-2266. The event is open to area women, especially to those who are 40 and older, low income and uninsured. There is NO cost to patients who qualify, and insurance is accepted. A $50 gas card will be given to participants!
At Health Partnership, a lack of insurance coverage should never prevent you from regular screening and scheduling an appointment if you have a problem. A Kansas statewide program, called Early Detection Works (EDW), will help pay for mammograms and cervical cancer screenings for women age 21-64 years old. You can call to see if you are eligible at 1-877-277-1368, or look online at https://www.khconline.org/files/PTN/EDW.pdf.
As far as self-breast exams, it is important to be aware of your breasts and know if changes occur. Below is a graphic I find useful, from knowyourlemons.com.
Works Cited
Nicola, K. D. (2018, October 1). October is breast cancer awareness month: What you need to know and how you can help. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: http://pressroom.cancer.org/2018-10-01-October-is-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month-What-You-Need-to-Know-and-How-You-Can-Help