Program provides free mammograms

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The American Cancer Society’s Breast Education Screening Together Program provides free mammograms to women who qualify in the Northeast Ohio region.

“Because of the funds we raise at the society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks across Ohio and the United States, we are able to provide no-cost mammograms to eligible women between the ages of 40 and 64,” said Al Stabilito, the society’s Northeast Ohio public relations director. “Mammograms are still the best tool available to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage.”

If a woman is younger than 40, she may still qualify if she has a close relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or she has symptoms of breast cancer, Stabilito added. Women 65 and older are covered by Medicare.

There has been quite a bit of news over the past six months about when a woman should begin mammography. This information has left many women uncertain about when they should begin screenings for breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society has not changed its screening guidelines and suggests the following guidelines:

Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Though mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular exam by a health expert, preferably every three years. After 40, women should have a clinical breast exam by a health expert every year.

Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of self-examination. They should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional immediately.

“Unfortunately, some agencies and task forces differ from our breast-cancer screening recommendations,” Stabilito added. “We know that our guidelines enable us to detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment and long-term survival is more successful.”

Still, some women ignore mammograms because they do not have medical health insurance. Others, who have health insurance, may have to meet a high deductible before the cost of a mammogram is covered.

BEST income eligibility is determined by the number of people who live in the household and the family’s total annual income.

A single woman may earn $27,075 annually and still be eligible for the society’s BEST program. For a woman to be eligible in a household of two; the annual income cannot be greater than $36,425. A family of three may not earn more than $45,775 to qualify. A household of four can have a combined income of $55,125 and still meet the eligibility guidelines.

Income guidelines increase for those with five or more people in a household.

Women in Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties who meet the financial guidelines are eligible.

“Most women who inquire about the program qualify,” Stabilito added.

For more information about the BEST Program or about breast cancer call the ACS toll free at 800-227-2345.