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education All women over 40 need mammograms, a government funded program may help with cost Because May is the month of Mother’s Day, a chance to celebrate the women in our lives, the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division wants to remind all women to get their mammograms. Every woman needs to have a yearly mammogram, starting at the age of 40. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them.  Breast cancer is ranked as the second most likely cancer-killer of American women, after lung cancer. This year an estimated 212,920 women in our country will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. With the help of mammography, these women's cancers may be found at an early stage, when options are most abundant and treatment is most effective. Mammograms are particularly important because the technology can detect breast cancer before a woman or health professional will notice any change in her body.
If you, or the women in your life, are not getting a yearly mammogram because of the cost, a state and federally funded program may be able to help. It is called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) in Michigan and is known as the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCP) in Indiana. To fulfill the basic eligibility requirements, women between the ages of 40--64 need to be in a low-income bracket and have no health insurance, or an insurance plan that does not cover her needs. To enroll and confirm eligibility, women need to contact their local agency. "We're very open and clear about what services the program does cover," says Candeeda Grubb, BCCP regional coordinator for the southern region of Indiana. If eligible, the program provides women with a free mammogram, clinical breast exam, Pap test, and pelvic exam. In Michigan, an enrolled woman can receive services provided by the program at age 40. In Indiana, a woman is eligible for the program, office visits, and Pap tests by age 40, but needs to be between the ages of 50--64 to be eligible for a mammogram. However, the women enrolled in Indiana who are 40--49 years old may be able to get a free mammogram from an American Cancer Society fund. If diagnosed, and the woman is a citizen of the United States or has been a legal alien for 5 years or longer, her treatment will also be financially covered through Medicaid. Kimberly Dickson of Detroit, Michigan, called her local BCCCP agency after noticing a lump in her breast and discussing the change with a doctor. This was in March of 2002 when she was 39, too young to enroll in the program. After she called the BCCCP at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, she was able to receive a free breast exam. She turned 40 and was enrolled in May, had a mammogram in June, and was diagnosed after a biopsy in July. Her cancer was in the late stages, and she went through chemotherapy, radiation, and four surgeries. Now, she says that her rollercoaster ride with cancer is over. Kimberly is very grateful for the BCCCP and would encourage all women to enroll if they are eligible. "Without the program, I really don't think I would be here," she says. "I owe my life to that program and I know many people probably do as well." She is still recuperating from the side effects of her cancer treatments, but she is optimistic, looking for a job with good insurance, and adopting her two nieces. "I'm ready to move on to the next step," she says. Encourage the women in your lives to get their mammograms. It will give them and you peace of mind, and could save their lives. For more information on Michigan's BCCCP, call 1-800-922-MAMM or visit the BCCCP's webpage for contact information. For Indiana, call 1-800-433-0746 or visit the BCCP's webpage. Other articles in VOICES this month community focus: volunteers dispay teamwork and passion for new Relay events |
survivorship and patient services: young cancer survivors are invited to our fun-filled, annual summer camp |
survivorship and patient services: Relay For Life celebrates and supports survivors in your community |
research: people with personal cancer experiences help determine funding for Society research |
advocacy: meet Sharon Simmons, a survivor joining the Society's efforts in Washington DC |
advocacy: sign the 2015 petition, make your voice heard in Washington DC |
local area spotlight: Society staff partner with health organizations |
resource highlight: sign up now for action alerts to monitor cancer issues |
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