By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in America, or 13 percent, will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Pink is always extra popular in the month of October, which doubles as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but Barton County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs said the other 11 months are just as important.
“We really want women to get cancer detected early, so we want them to go in for their yearly mammograms to make sure they’re staying on top of their health,” she said. “The chances of survival are greatly increased if you can detect it early.”
The American Cancer Society suggests women begin getting their yearly mammograms between the ages of 40-40, depending on various risk factors. There are modifiable factors like diet and exercise, and non-modifiable factors like family history, breastfeeding experience, and having a child after the age of 30. The Barton County Health Department utilizes the Early Detection Works program, which is a state-wide initiative through the Kansas Department and Health and Environment.
“Its main purpose is to reduce deaths from breast and cervical cancer by providing free or low-cost cancer screenings, health education, and diagnostic follow-up services to individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford it,” Gibbs said.
Interested parties can call (877) 277-1368 or CLICK HERE to see if they qualify for the program. Qualified applicants must be a legal resident in the state of Kansas, be between the ages of 40-64 for breast cancer screenings, and between the ages of 21-64 for cervical cancer screenings. They must also be uninsured or under-insured, and there are income considerations as well.
Early Detection Works is utilized by more than 300 clinics around the state. The program can cover a lot of screening costs and also pays for most necessary follow-up procedures.