One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but with early detection, the five-year survival rate is more than 80 percent. Mammograms are an important tool in early detection. For women 40 and older who are uninsured, KentuckyOne Health offers Yes, Mamm, a program that provides free or reduced cost mammography screenings for those who are eligible.
The overall goal of the Yes, Mamm Program is to increase awareness of breast health in the community and to provide educational outreach to low income/underserved population of women. In the past year, the Yes, Mamm Program has provided 500 free mammograms in Lexington.
“Annual mammograms can be the difference between life and death,” said Jessica Croley, MD, Medical Oncologist. “Regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay, we want women in our community to receive the screenings they need to help them lead long and healthy lives.”
Early detection by mammograms may lead to a greater range in treatment options, including less-extensive surgery and the use of chemotherapy with fewer side effects.
As of September 23, 2010, all new health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammography with no co-payment for women ages 40 and older. For women who are uninsured, the Yes, Mamm Program can help with out-of-pocket costs.
“We do not want uninsured women to be left behind,” said Dr. Croley. “We want all women to receive the screenings they need. It’s part of our mission to bring wellness, healing and hope to all.”
For more information about the Yes, Mamm Program or to schedule a mammogram, call 859.967.5613.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events
October 2
Joe B. Hall on Hot Seat for Hope: Legendary Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall will be on the Hot Seat for Hope to benefit the Kentucky CancerLink, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Marriott Griffin Gate Ballroom.For tickets, go to www.kycancerlink.org.
October 3
3rd Annual Pink Out Festival, 3 – 8 pm, Whitaker Bank Ballpark
The Pink Out Festival is the only place to pick up Race for the Cure packets prior to the Race the next morning.
October 4
Race for the Cure, 9 – 11 am, Courthouse Plaza
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the largest series of 5k run/fitness walks in the world. You can run or walk the 5K route, with a team or as an individual. The 2014 Lexington Race for the Cure will start at 9 am at the Courthouse Plaza.
October 14
Pink Ribbon Club Breast Cancer Survivor Meeting: 6:30 pm, Lexington Clinic Breast Center
November 15
Mamm’s Day Out, UK Markey Cancer Center. The second of four “Mamm’s Day Out” Screenings. To reserve an appointment, call Kentucky CancerLink at 1-877-597-4655.
November 23
Horses and Hope Race Day, Churchill Downs, Louisville KY
Horses and Hope is a project of First Lady Jane Beshear, the Kentucky Cancer Program, and the Pink Stable. The mission is to increase breast cancer awareness, education, screening, and treatment referral among Kentucky’s horse industry workers and their families. A special Horses and Hope Day at the Races event honoring breast cancer survivors is scheduled in Millionaires Row 4.
About Mammograms & Breast Cancer
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.
The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year.
Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare provider whether they should have mammogram screenings at an earlier age.
