Breast Cancer Awareness Events

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Anne Marie Wilson has a unique perspective on her job. Wilson works in pre-registration at LRGHealthcare, and part of her role is to call to preregister women who are scheduled for a mammogram.

When she makes those calls, it is not unusual to hear at least a few women each month say that they cannot keep their mammography appointment, because they feel they can't afford the cost of the mammogram, or simply because they are frightened of what they might learn.

But Wilson knows how important those screenings are, because she has had breast cancer.

That understanding, and her knowledge that a screening mammogram may have saved her life, makes her doubly motivated to ensure that each woman on the other end of that phone line keeps her appointment.

"For some women, particularly those who have never had a mammogram, or those with a family history of breast cancer, getting a mammogram can be frightening,"Wilson, said. "But I know from personal experience how important it is for a woman to get over those fears, and get the screening that could save her life. In my job, I think it's important to be able to relate to somebody who is scared, and it helps for me to be able to tell them that I understand how they feel. If I can help them to relax, I then am very fortunate to be able to explain to them that I am part of a great team here, and that we are here to help.

"There are also a lot of patients who just can't afford the cost of a mammogram, with all of the programs LRGHealthcare offers, there's no reason to let that stop them from getting this screening that they need," Wilson continued. "When a patient tells me that they need to cancel because of cost, I ask them if they would be willing to talk to our Breast Health Coordinator, Ginny Witkin, RN. There is almost always a way we can help them get that mammogram they need. I feel good being a part of the team that makes that happen."

"Getting an annual mammogram is probably the single most important thing a woman over the age of 40 can do to protect her breast health," Witkin said. "Yet sadly, there are many women in our community who still do not take this important step, either because they do not realize how this quick, simple exam could save their lives; or because they are concerned about the cost."

"A mammogram takes just a few minutes, once a year— it's well worth the lifesaving benefits and the peace of mind a woman will get from this simple, painless exam," Witkin continued. "And cost should not be a barrier to any woman in our community getting the breast health services she needs. We have a number of programs available to ensure that mammograms are affordable and accessible to every woman in our community. If cost is stopping you, or someone you know or love from getting a mammogram, please call me at 527-2940 today, and I would be happy to talk about the options that are available to you."

It's one call, and it's a call that could save your life. Please help us make sure that every woman who faces breast cancer has her very best chance to be a survivor— especially if that woman is you.

(source:citizen.com)