In October…

October is breast cancer awareness month. The color pink is everywhere! For many women in my groups, the posts and advertisement irritates them. They see so many companies trying to capitalize on this disease without giving back or helping to find a cure. Some women also have a hard time because it brings back all of the memories associated with their diagnosis and treatment. I choose to see it as awareness, helping remind everyone to have their screening done and to also do monthly self exams. My daughter’s cancer was found 3 months AFTER an examination by her doctor because she did monthly self exams. Knowing your body is so very important. Unsure how to do a proper self breast exam? BreastCancer.org has a 5 step How To for Self Breast Awareness.

Have you had your yearly mammogram? Do you have dense breasts? As of this year, radiologists will have to report the degree of density in your breasts. This is a good thing because highly dense breast tissue is considered a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can make mammograms harder to interpret. Talk with your provider and ask if you should have a diagnostic mammogram, MRI or ultrasound instead of a regular mammogram. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the second most common type of cancer for women, following skin cancer.

Diagnostic mammograms are not always covered by insurance or require you to pay part of your deductible and can be for so many quite expensive. Do you or someone know need help in obtaining a diagnostic mammogram? There are a number of places that may offer free or low-cost diagnostic mammograms, including: 

• National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): This program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides free or low-cost mammograms to low-income, uninsured, or underserved women. You can contact your local health department or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for more information. 

• National Breast Cancer Foundation: This foundation offers grants for free mammograms and diagnostic services to people with low income, no insurance, or limited insurance coverage. You can search the foundation’s National Mammography Program to find facilities near you. 

• American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF): This foundation offers screenings and diagnostic tests for people without insurance. You can call the foundation at 1-844-219-2223 or email info@abcf.org to apply for assistance. 

• Local health departments, hospitals, and women’s centers: These organizations may offer free or low-cost mammograms. 

• Breast Cancer Awareness events: These events may offer free or reduced-cost mammograms to low-income and uninsured people. 

• Federally Qualified Health Centers: You can contact a local Federally Qualified Health Center for help. 

• Healthcare professionals: You can ask a healthcare professional about patient assistance programs or help locating a program. 

Please call and make an appointment for your mammogram – do not delay!

Have a beautiful week ~

Much Love,

Deandra