According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide. To help draw attention to the disease, every year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month.
WHO representatives report that since there are currently no definitive answers about the cause, early detection of the disease is the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Starke County residents who meet certain qualifications are eligible to receive mammograms and subsequent testing and procedures, free of charge.
The services are available at Starke Hospital, thanks to a grant secured by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust. One way the Trust raises money for these types of efforts is through the sale of breast cancer awareness license plates.
In order to qualify, women must be older than 39-years-old or have a higher risk of breast cancer. Individuals who satisfy income requirements, as well as people who are uninsured, underinsured or those who have a high deductible plan are also eligible.
The Starke County Chamber of Commerce highlighted this opportunity, noting that no community member should go without a mammogram or necessary follow-up testing due to financial limitations.
Chamber officials encourage community members to ask their primary care provider for a voucher in Starke County and to schedule a screening mammogram as soon as possible.
