Just about all of us know of someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As we recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we should be mindful of those in our community who do not have access to critical services in their fight against breast cancer.

 

Since 2011, the Holy Cross Hospital Partners in Breast Health program has provided outreach education, clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and diagnostic procedures to lower income and minority women age 40 and older who lack access to healthcare services. The program also provides services to symptomatic women who are younger than 40.

 

Compared to the overall population, studies show that African American and Hispanic women are more likely to die from breast cancer due to lack of screenings and late-stage diagnoses. Partners in Breast Health is designed to facilitate access to breast health care for women who don’t have other resources.

 

More than 2,400 women have been served by the program since it began and more than 50 percent of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have been under the age of 50, exceeding national statistical data. The program’s goals are to reduce late stage breast diagnosis, decrease death in minority populations and provide 1,000 screening mammograms annually to uninsured individuals living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

 

In an effort to increase access to the program, Holy Cross’s Mobile Health Unit visits underserved communities in central and northern Broward County that have the highest percentage of poor quality health indicators. Onboard, a physician or an advanced registered nurse practitioner provides one-to-one education, a general health assessment, clinical breast exams and mammogram prescriptions for women age 40 and older. Follow-up is provided to assist patients with any additional diagnostics, treatment and special needs.

 

At the Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center at Holy Cross HealthPlex, located at 1000 N.E. 56th St. in Fort Lauderdale, Partners in Breast Health clients receive education, screenings and diagnostics. In addition to the Mobile Health Unit, referrals to the program also come from community outreach events, partner organizations and most often from other friends and family members who have accessed the program.

 

Partners in Breast Health is made possible by generous funding from the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation, American Cancer Society, Women Owning Wellness (a committee of the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary), 1000+ Club, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and numerous private donors.