(Joplin, MO) – Diagnosing cancer in its earliest stages provides the best chance for survival, considering a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every two minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The best way to catch a cancer-positive diagnosis at its earliest stage, when its most easily curable, are through regularly scheduled annual mammograms, particularly for women with increased cancer risks.
“A mammogram can provide peace of mind, early answers and, in many cases, save a life,” said Brandy Miller-Turner, Director of Freeman Health System’s Development Office and Children’s Miracle Network.
Uninsured and underinsured women may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover their recommended breast screenings and services through Freeman Health System’s Helping Friends Mammogram Fund.
The fund — financed by donations from individuals and charitable organizations — provides free mammograms, diagnostic screenings and comprehensive breast care services to area women in need. Freeman’s Development Office works with the community to keep the fund in force. More than 2,000 women have received diagnostic mammograms and screenings with the assistance of the fund since it began in 2000.
“The fund was created so financial hardship doesn’t stand between someone and the care they need,” Miller-Turner said. “If you are uninsured or underinsured, simply ask about the fund when scheduling your mammogram. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re able to help more people receive this important screening.”
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, second only to cardiovascular disease. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
“One of the biggest barriers we see is not always access to care, but awareness that assistance is available,” said Hector Juarez, Freeman Health System’s Vice President of Radiology. “We owe it to our community to make sure they know help is available. By increasing awareness, we can help more patients take advantage of these lifesaving services.”
Thankfully for area women in need of a mammogram, Freeman Health System was the first in the region to offer GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta, an advanced 3D mammography system. It has been proven that 3D mammogram images, due to their enhanced detail, can detect small breast cancers easier and earlier than traditional 2D images.
For more information about the Helping Friends Mammogram Fund, please call the Freeman Development Office at 417.347.6557. To schedule your mammogram at the Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion, please call 417.347.7777.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
Be the first to comment