Breast Cancer Awareness
In 2013, according to the American Cancer Society, 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed among women, with an estimated 64,640 additional cases of in situ breast cancer. Approximately 39,620 women were expected to die from breast cancer in the same year.
The best prevention of breast cancer is early detection, which is why it is important that women receive annual screening mammograms. Research has shown that mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer leads to a greater range of treatment options, including less-aggressive surgery. The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. As a woman ages, her chances of developing breast cancer increase. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a good candidate for breast cancer treatment, she should continue to be screened with an annual mammogram. If there is a question about a woman being a good candidate, she should thoroughly discuss it with her physician.
Some women choose not to get mammograms because of the cost. Beginning in 2011, the Affordable Care Act required that all new health insurance plans fully cover screening mammograms without any out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. This is also required of Medicare. For uninsured women and those not eligible for Medicare, resources are available for which these women may qualify. To help women learn about these resources and how to access them, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Wheeler County will be conducting a Friend to Friend party on August 16 at 5:30pm at the First Baptisit Church in Shamrock. A health professional at the event will provide information about both breast and cervical cancers. In addition to the speaker, there will be discussion of the obstacles that prevent women from getting mammograms and Pap tests. Exhibitors will be present, and participants will have an opportunity to schedule a screening mammogram. Help will be provided to direct women who qualify to financial resources that will cover the cost of a screening mammogram. To learn more about the Friend to Friend party, contact the Wheeler County AgriLife Extension office at 806-826-5243.
