Did you know that most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease?
The majority of women with breast cancer have no known risk factors. Being a woman is the single greatest risk for developing this deadly disease and the risk gets higher as women age.
October is “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, and specifically October 19 is “National Mammogram Awareness Day”. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 when former first lady Betty Ford and her daughter, Susan Ford Bales, launched a weeklong campaign to educate the public about breast cancer. Betty Ford, was herself a breast cancer survivor and wanted to raise awareness about a disease that at one time was not talked about in public.
The Montana Cancer Screening Program provides free or reduced cost mammograms, clinical breast exams and Pap tests to qualified women between the ages of 50 and 64, and clinical breast exams and pap tests to women ages 21-64, who do not have health insurance or whose insurance will not pay for these annual exams. Certain income guidelines must also be met to qualify.
The Montana Cancer Screening Program began in 1993. It is administered by the state Department of Public Health and Human Services and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After enrollment, women can choose from a variety of local providers to have their screenings done. Central Montana Family Planning is the area administrative site for this program. Our administrative site processes all of the paperwork, helps with appointments and ensures the screenings are paid for. We also offer patient navigation and enrollment for women with insurance.
Statistics have shown that early detection of breast cancer can increase the chances of surviving the disease. If breast cancer is diagnosed after it has metastasized – or spread – the survival rate is much lower.
Medical professionals and the American Cancer Society recommend women over 50 have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year. Women between 40 and 49 should be screened every other year. Younger women with a family history of breast cancer are often encouraged to have mammograms in their 30s. Talk with your medical provider to determine how often you should be screened. Early detection really does save lives.
Local citizens are encouraged to wear pink on October 19 and businesses and agencies are being asked to please display information about breast cancer and the Montana Cancer Screening Program. We have lots of information, pink ribbons and pink supplies for your business. Please call Sue Irvin, site coordinator at 406-535-8811, for information or for pink supplies.
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