Breast Cancer Screening Saved Itzel’s Mother
By Sheri Bonner, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley | Oct. 30, 2020, 9:23 p.m.
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Before October ends, I want to remind you that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection through breast exams and mammograms saves lives. But they can be cost-prohibitive to people with low incomes and to those living in medically underserved communities. Similar to COVID-19, breast cancer outcomes highlight the structural racism that increases barriers to health care for people of color. Those struggling to make ends meet or living uninsured might not be able to afford preventive screenings and treatments. The costs of taking unpaid time off work, securing childcare, and paying for transportation can be overwhelming barriers that keep patients from seeking crucial preventive care.
That’s why we’re proud to offer monthly screening mammograms at Pasadena health center campus. Thanks to the Every Woman Counts program and generous support from other community partners, our monthly mammogram clinic offers no-cost screenings to those who are uninsured and underserved, including undocumented people. Should a patient receive an abnormal result we refer them to our trusted partners, including Valley Breast Center and White Memorial Hospital, to ensure follow up and further care.
Last year alone, we provided nearly 2,000 breast exams and mammograms.
Have you scheduled yours? Talk to your clinician about how and when to screen for breast cancer. Or call us at 626.798.0706 to schedule an appointment.
In the midst of a pandemic, our mission is more important than ever. Our health centers continue to provide our patients with the care they need—including essential breast cancer screening—because we believe our patients deserve access to these services, no matter what.
Tags: breast_cancer, cancer screening