Free Breast Cancer Screening Available
Early Detection Key to Recovery Chances
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 Wisconsin 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 is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and along with the TAF Program, is administered through Public Health - Madison & Dane County; and serves more than 1,200 eligible women in Dane County each year. Program services include: clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and other diagnostic breast tests. The TAF program also provides breast-related services to eligible men.
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 following income guidelines:
1 up to $27,075
2 up to $36,425
3 up to $45,775
4 up to $55,125
add $9,350 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 check our website at www.wellwomandanecounty.org or 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.
