PPNM Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Albuquerque, NM – This month, Planned Parenthood of New Mexico (PPNM) is joining women’s health organizations around the country in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. A trusted provider of high-quality, affordable health care for over 40 years, PPNM will continue to focus this month on preventive care and education on breast cancer.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women. About 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. and 40,000 women will die from it.

Breast cancer screenings can save lives by detecting the disease in its earliest, most treatable stage. More than 9 out of 10 women who detect breast cancer early live at least five years — and many live much longer.

“Thanks to a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, we’re able to provide free breast cancer screenings to approximately 400 women each year - women who might not otherwise be able to afford early screening,” said Krisztina Ford, Senior Vice President of Patient Services. “Of the women screened, approximately ten percent will be referred for mammograms and further diagnosis.”  Women who are 20 or older, or whose incomes fall at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program which includes a clinical breast exam, education on self-breast exams and other necessary diagnostic care.

PPNM also provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to eligible low-income women through a program funded by the New Mexico Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New Mexico State Legislature, and the American Cancer Society. To qualify for the BCC program, women must meet certain age, insurance and income requirements.

For information on these or any other PPNM services, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

_{Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, Inc. (PPNM) has been providing high-quality, affordable reproductive health care in New Mexico since 1964. PPNM promotes reproductive health and freedom of choice by offering medical services, comprehensive sexuality education programming and advocacy. Planned Parenthood does more to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortion than any other organization.}