Doctors Are Taking Action To Fight Breast Cancer With Knowledge

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month; however, you should not wait until October to discuss testing options. Early detection is important in the fight against breast cancer. For uninsured and under-served patients, this may seem like a problem. 1 out of every 8 women will develop breast cancer and surprisingly 1 out of 1000 men will develop breast cancer as well. Breast cancer is most common in African Americans, however, all Americans are affected.
The #DocsForHer campaign was inspired by an article written by a physician and medical journalist Dr. Amber Robins entitled Breast Cancer Awareness Is Not Enough.
Dr. Amber Robins, Dr. Nwando Okafor, Dr. KaNisha Hall, and Dr. Kim Jackson, are physicians who are dedicated to helping their uninsured patients understand the crucial nature around “not” getting tested. #DocsForHer aims to drive low-income patients to seek the assistance of free to low-cost breast cancer screenings.

Dr. Amber Robins

Roughly 44 million Americans are uninsured, while possibly 32 million are insured but their healthcare is adequate. The cost of a mammogram can range between $75 – $250 depending on the provider of the service. Not everyone can afford to be screened or they lack the necessary insurance coverage for the screening which causes them to delay testing or not get tested at all.  The good news is that there are more options available.

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During the month of October in support of breast cancer awareness, several medical facilities offer free screenings to the uninsured. Patients can discuss options with their family physician or local hospitals to gain a calendar of screening events. Also, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as The National Breast Cancer Foundation, have partnered with several medical facilities around the country to provide uninsured patients with free breast cancer screening.

 

Dr. KaNisha Hall

Your local and state government may also provide programs that help with the cost of mammograms. These physicians are devoted to helping their patients understand the importance of proactive self-care and breast cancer prevention. Women and men with financial contraints are urged to inquire about options for free breast cancer screenings.

Dr. Kim Jackson

Early detection is key. The lack of insurance should not become a matter of life or death. Help is out there ready and available to help prevent and fight breast cancer. Our featured #DocsForHer extend their message to everyone. If you lack health care resources, take the life-saving action to find a screening assistance program in your area.

Co-written by Gin Crane

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