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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 9/22/2001 from 24.4.254.65:

In reply to: HOW CAN I GET A FREE MAMOGRAM? posted by Harriet McIntosh on 9/20/2001 from 209.214.96.95:

Dear Harriet:


I am glad that you posted your message. The good news is that the majority (over 80%) of breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). We will be happy to send you educational materials, free of charge regarding breast self-exam, breast health and breast anatomy, understanding breast changes, questions to ask your health plan about exemplary care (found on our web site under help yourself – 10 key questions for women to ask their health plans), breast cancer myths and more depending upon your needs.

We have trained information specialists in our offices that can speak with you one on one to determine the best materials to send you (all free of charge). WIN ABC has an in-depth resource guide with great resource listings and suggested reading. You are more than welcome to call us toll free at (866) 2 WIN ABC.

You are also welcome to fill out the special Personal Profile Form (blue link at the top of this page) with your specific information and with requests for some of the information and resources I have outlined here. Your e-mailed form will remain confidential.


The following resources have been taken directly from WIN Against Breast Cancer’s web site at www.winabc.org:

I have included information below regarding free screening and treatment programs.


Low & No-cost Screening & Treatment Services (please see the link that I established at the bottom of this message)

Georgia does legislate reimbursement for breast and cervical cancer screening. The state also supports cervical cancer screening, breast and cervical cancer treatment and education programs. While virtually all women aged 65 and older have insurance coverage through Medicare, 19 percent of Georgia women between the ages of 20 and 64 are uninsured. In order to qualify for screening funded by the program, women in Georgia need to be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (That was the case in 1997; it may have changes since then so you should check on the eligibility requirements in place at this time). In addition, 1997 guidelines specified that women had to be at least 50 years of age for a mammogram or a Pap test for cervical cancer screening; so again that eligibility requirement may have changed since then as well, so please check. (Source: CDC web site; please see link at the bottom of this message.)

Contact:

Cancer Control Section Division of Public Health
Georgia Department of Human Resources
2 Peachtree Street, NE
Sixth Floor Annex
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 657-6606
Fax (404) 657-4338



National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP):

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/...index.htm

Provides critical breast and cervical cancer screening services to underserved women, including older women, women with low incomes, and women of racial and ethnic minority groups. Funded comprehensive early detection programs provide:

1. Breast and cervical cancer screening services to women who are low income and/or racial/ethnic minorities.

2. Appropriate referrals, and when necessary, appropriate diagnostic follow-up, case management and assurances for medical treatment.

3. Public information and education programs to increase the use of screening services.

4. Education to health professionals to improve the screening process.

5. Mechanisms to monitor the quality of the screening process.

6. Appropriate surveillance and epidemiological systems.

7. Linkages with key partnerships. CDC funds all 50 state health agencies, the District of Columbia, 15 tribal organizations, and 5 territories to conduct comprehensive breast and cervical cancer early detection programs.

CDC Links Page: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/linksalt.htm

Comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Also known as the Breast and Cervical Cancer Initiative (BCCI), this program involves a broad array of services supported through state and federal funds. Activities have focused on surveillance, quality assurance, professional training, community outreach and educational efforts and delivery of health services issues. The following activities are part of the program:

37 Community Education, Outreach, Health Services and Screening Programs;

Breast and Cervical Cancer Statewide Plan;

Statewide public information campaign;

Professional education for nurses, radiology technologists, physicians, elder network service providers and other health care providers;

Statewide and regional outreach education programs for communities of color, elder networks and other hard-to-reach populations;

Program evaluation and surveillance;

and

Collaboration with statewide partnerships and coalitions.


Division of Community Health Promotion

Women's Health Unit

The Women's Health Unit provides services designed to decrease morbidity and mortality and to promote knowledge and well-being among women in Massachusetts. The Unit places particular emphasis on developing services for low-income women, women of color, and refugee and immigrant women. Health issues are approached within the context of the realities of women's lives including economic factors, occupational issues, racial and cultural diversity, and family responsibilities. The Unit strives to develop culturally and linguistically-appropriate services for women who have historically faced barriers to health care, focusing on the development of models that empower women through health education and self-help.


Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC):

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/

"Part of the CDC's National Center For Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, implementing programs for the nation. DCPC focuses its cancer prevention and control resources in six priority areas: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, The National Program of Cancer Registries, Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Education Initiatives, the Prostate Cancer Control Initiative, Colorectal Cancer Control Initiative. and the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program."


Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU):

http://www.clinicians.org/

"For those clinicians who devote all or part of their practice to health care for underserved populations, delivering the highest quality of care is dependent on a firm understanding of the population they are serving and that population's needs. The ACU seeks to address the issues of access to and the quality of health care to these populations by: Enhancing the support these clinicians receive, Providing increased access to information relevant to their practices, Providing increased opportunities for them to interact and communicate with their colleagues, Increasing the understanding of this field of practice by promoting research, and Increasing the opportunities for education and training relevant to providing health care to underserved and vulnerable populations."


The following information has been taken directly from the CDC’s web site at the first CDC web address above:

Guidance and Summary of Actions on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000

About the Act

On October 24th, 2000, President William Clinton signed into law the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-354 (PDF-115K)*). This Act gives states the option to provide medical assistance through Medicaid to eligible women who were screened for and found to have breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

NBCCEDP, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic services to women in need, such as those who are uninsured or have low incomes. In 2000, CDC began its 10th year of this landmark program, supporting early detection programs in all 50 states, 6 U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and 12 American Indian and Alaska Native organizations.


AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: It is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case. But one strong recommendation we would like to make is that patients pursue their question(s) with their own physicians. Everyone should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion. We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help patients get the information that they need.

Harriett, I am holding you in my thoughts and look forward to hearing from you with an update on how you are doing and how WIN ABC can best be of help and support to you. Again, I encourage you to fill out the Personal Profile form at the top of this message board and to contact us directly.


My warmest personal regards,
Betsy


Elizabeth ("Betsy") Mullen
Founder, President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer
Main Office:
536 S. Second Avenue, Suite K
Covina, California 91723
Telephone: 626-332-2255 Fax: 626-332-2585
San Diego Office:
Telephone: (619) 284-4900 Fax: (619) 284-7900
Web Site: www.winabc.org

• National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

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