The Augusta Regional Free Clinic, through the Greater Richmond Virginia Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, has received funding to implement a program to promote breast health and breast cancer awareness among low-income, uninsured, working or temporarily unemployed women aged 40-64 in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. In addition to reaching out to the community with education programs, the project will provide free clinical breast examinations and mammograms for eligible persons.
The American Cancer Society reports that “between 1998 and 2002, 95% of the new cases of breast cancer occurred in women age 40 and older. Furthermore, 50% of the women who developed breast cancer were age 61 or younger.
According to Donna Evelsizer, R.N. and the Clinic’s Community Breast Cancer Outreach Coordinator, “While women can take action to reduce their risk of getting breast cancer such as avoiding obesity and weight gain, increasing physical activity, and minimizing alcohol use, early detection by self-breast examination and mammography offer increased treatment options and chances for survival.”
“There are approximately 57,000 females in the Clinic’s service area,” states Margaret Hersh, the Clinic’s Executive Director. “About 24,000 of those are 40-64 years old, and 11,000 are at or below an annual income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Furthermore, about 8,500 are medically uninsured or underinsured. The potential to save so many lives with this program is enormous.”
“Preventive care and education will be the first priorities,” states Evelsizer, “with special emphasis directed toward education of Hispanic women. In this population, in particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that breast cancer is the number one cause of death. It is important to point out that men are also at risk for breast cancer.”
The Clinic seeks to provide a minimum of 250 clinical breast exam appointments to new patients. Mammograms will be scheduled for patients in order to improve patient follow-through. All will be at no cost to patients.
“An important part of this program is providing educational presentations to community groups and agencies,” states Evelsizer. “We need the community’s support to help us spread the word. If an individual or group would like to have more information about the program, its services, or how to set up a presentation, please call the Clinic at 332-5606 or 932-5606.”
