Free Breast Cancer Screening Available
Early Detection Key to Recovery Chances
JOINT NEWS RELEASE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH MADISON & DANE COUNTY AND THE WISCONSIN WELL WOMAN PROGRAM
Madison WI - September 29, 2008 - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which highlights the need to remind women that early detection of breast cancer greatly enhances the possibility of recovery and that free screenings are available to eligible women.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women except for skin cancer and it is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. While a family history of breast cancer increases a woman's risk, most breast cancer occurs in women with no family history at all. According to Kari Sievert, Program Coordinator with The WI Well Woman Program, "The good news is that breast cancer is treatable. Finding breast cancer early gives a woman a greater chance of complete recovery."
The WI Well Woman Program, (WWWP) in collaboration with the Treatment Access Fund (TAF), sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has been providing FREE breast cancer screenings for eligible women in Dane County since 1994. The WWWP & TAF Programs, administered through Public Health - Madison & Dane County, serve more than 1,200 eligible women in Dane County each year. Program services include: teaching of breast self-exam, clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and other diagnostic breast tests
WWWP is an invaluable resource for women across the state. It's an opportunity for ALL women to have access to an annual check-up regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Women may be eligible for Breast Cancer Screening if they:
- are ages 35-64 (or under the age of 35 and have a current breast concern), and
- have no health insurance or insurance that does not cover annual check-ups, and
- meet the income guidelines below
1 up to $26,000
2 up to $35,000
3 up to $44,000
4 up to $53,000
add $9,000 for each additional family member
*Net income for farm families and self-employment
"Enrollment for the program is quick and easy and can be completed over the phone in 10 minutes," said Sievert. "It's a call that just might save your life." These exams are available in more than 25 participating clinics in Dane County.
For more information call (608) 242-6385. Para información en español llame al (608) 242-6235.
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Note to editors: If you would like to do a feature story about a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer through WWWP please call Kari Sievert at (608) 242-6392 or Jeff Golden at (608) 243-0302.
