October is breast cancer awareness month and early detection of breast cancer increases the overall chances of survival. Although mammograms cannot prevent breast cancer, they can save lives by detecting breast cancer early and preventing the need for more invasive treatments. In years 2010-2014, the breast cancer incidence rate in La Porte County was 116.5 cases per 100,000 females while in 2011-2015 the incidence rate was 112.3. (Ten 2030)
We have made significant progress, but there is much more to do. The Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) has established, with a grant from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT), the Breast Cancer Project. The Breast Cancer Project is an established comprehensive effort in La Porte County which encourages and educates women about breast health and the importance of early detection. This effort provides screening mammograms and diagnostic mammography services to uninsured and underinsured women who meet the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) High Risk criteria or are forty years of age and older.
To see if you or someone you love qualifies for a FREE voucher for a mammogram and to learn more about the Breast Cancer Project, visit https://hflaporte.org/mammogram-program. If you meet the three criteria (1) age 40 and older or meet High Risk Status defined by the ACS; (2) uninsured, underinsured, or participating in a High Deductible Health Care Plan; and (3) meet the income guidelines presented at the web link), schedule an appointment with your physician located in La Porte County. Print the document found at the web link provided and bring it to your appointment and reference the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte’s mammogram voucher program.
Physician offices who are not familiar with the program or do not have the paperwork for the mammogram voucher may call the HFL at 219.326.2471 to request a copy. It’s best to do so while the patient is at the office so you can secure their signature and information.
