Breast Cancer still a major killer

Breast Cancer still a major killer

Did you know that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Arkansas?

Like with most diseases, early detection is key. In Arkansas we strive to provide access to early detection for every woman regardless of income or insured status.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Most insurance plans, Medicaid and Medicare cover annual mammograms for women over 40 with no outof- pocket expense. The Arkansas Department of Health also provides screenings through its BreastCare program.

If you qualify, you can receive mammograms, clinic breast exams, and pelvic exams at no cost.

BreastCare’s mission is to increase the rate of early detection of breast and cervical cancer in Arkansas by lowering barriers to screening that result from lack of information, financial means, or access to quality services.

The Arkansas Department of Health received a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1993 to create the BreastCare program. In 1995, ADH received federal funds to provide eligible women with breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.

Since that time thousands of Arkansans have benefitted from early detection. Last year alone the program provided services to more than 9,000 women.

Because early stage breast cancer can be treated more successfully and costeffectively, early detection is critical. A regular screening mammogram is the best tool available to help assure breast cancer is detected early.

Over 80 percent of the women who received a diagnosis of breast cancer while in the BreastCare program had an early stage cancer.

The high costs and poor outcomes associated with late stage diagnosis and treatment make the case for regular breast cancer screening stronger than ever.

In order to prevent breast cancer the Centers for Disease Control recommends the following:

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks and find out if it is right for you.

• Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a close relative with breast cancer, ask your doctor how you can manage your risk.

• A mammogram can't prevent breast cancer, but it can help find it early. Get screened regularly.

For more information on breast cancer awareness and the BreastCare program visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson