According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women. They say 1 in 8 American women will have breast cancer at some point in their life. The good news is that when the cancer is detected early, it can be treated and the survival rate goes up substantially. In order to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to promote mammograms and self-examinations, we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust is a not-for-profit organization that improves access to breast cancer screenings and diagnosis and support services while also increasing awareness. One of the ways they accomplish all of that is by selling Breast Cancer Awareness specialty license plates through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A $25 donation is generated through every license plate sold. Since the plate was introduced in 2002, tens of thousands of Hoosier women have received screening, diagnostic and support services with nearly $4 million being awarded through their competitive grants.
Regional manager of community relations for Starke Hospital Stacey Kellog says that through grant funds provided by IBCAT, the hospital is able to offer free screening mammogram vouchers this year.
The Health Foundation of La Porte assisted with making these funds available to the Starke Health Fund, a partner of Starke Hospital. Kellogg said program services that are offered have been expanded this year.
“If a woman has a mammogram and it comes back where something’s suspicious and she needs to have follow up testing like a breast ultrasound or a biopsy, now that grant will even cover some of the follow up testing as well.” Kellogg explained, “It’s a fantastic foundation the Health Foundation of La Porte made available through the Starke Health Fund so nobody who needs a screening mammogram should go without one. ”
If your insurance doesn’t cover screening mammograms or if you’re unable to afford one, talk to your doctor about receiving a mammogram voucher, which should be available at various offices around Starke County. If your doctor is unaware of the program or doesn’t have any vouchers available contact the diagnostic imaging center at Starke Hospital to arrange to receive a voucher. You can also visit an imaging center to get the procedure done.
You can reach Starke Hospital by calling 574-772-6231. Specific questions about services provided can be directed to Stacey Kellogg at 219-983-8641.
