Corydon, IA, September 23, 2013 – Raising awareness for breast cancer and the fight against this disease is important worldwide. Wayne County Hospital and Clinic System (WCH) supports October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.
Since its inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. NBCAM recognizes that, although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. WCH remains dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health.
Although October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are dedicated to raising awareness and educating individuals about breast cancer throughout the year. We encourage you to learn more about breast cancer, breast health, and the latest research developments. Click on any of the following websites for more information; www.cancer.org; www.acog.org; www.menagainstbreastcancer.org; www.cancercare.org; www.komen.org.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and approximately one in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, these numbers have continued to improve in recent years due to more frequent early detection, developments in treatment options, and increased awareness.
“Early detection is critical for women to receive proper treatment and our digital mammography system provides excellent imagery for detection,” commented Katie Newton, WCH Director of Radiology. “An annual mammogram only takes a few minutes, and it could be lifesaving,”
Mammography is a valuable tool in the fight against breast cancer and WCH encourages women over the age of 40 to get annual screening mammograms or as advised by your provider. For many women, mammograms are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or their private insurance plans.
For women who do not have insurance, WCH participates in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) making annual mammograms accessible for individuals who meet the financial guidelines. To learn if you qualify for this program call 641-437-4420. The WCH Clinic System has providers in each clinic who are enrolled to provide “Care For Yourself” services which include preventative maintenance services such as Pap/Mammograms under this program to qualified participants.
The WCH Radiology Department has special ‘thank you’ gifts for anyone receiving a mammogram in October. To schedule your mammogram today, call the WCH Radiology Department at 641-872-5237.