Broward Health offers early breast cancer screening to uninsured and underinsured women

Submitted by Jenny Mackie

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Broward Health has announced that it will continue its efforts to promote early detection of breast cancer by offering free mammograms and other breast health services for uninsured, underinsured or underserved women in the community who face cultural or financial barriers to obtaining care. These services are made possible through funding from several area organizations, including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Fort Lauderdale Affiliate, Glam-A-THON and the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund.

“Women in our community who would otherwise decide not to be examined due to lack of insurance or other cultural or financial barriers can come to us and receive breast screening and breast health services that may save their lives,” said Pia Delvaille, manager and nurse practitioner of the Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center at Broward Health Medical Center.

Broward Health Medical Center (BHMC), the flagship facility of the Broward Health system, offers a complete range of breast care services for women including imaging, biopsy, education, support groups, rehabilitation and more.

According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, African American/Black women are most likely to die from breast cancer. In addition, recent NCI-supported research indicates that aggressive breast tumors are more common in younger African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino women living in low socioeconomic status areas.

Broward Health recently received a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Fort Lauderdale Affiliate in the amount of $80,000 to facilitate early breast cancer detection and treatment. This marks the seventh year that Broward Health and Komen have been working together. To date, over 1,500 mammograms and other breast health services have been funded by the donations.

According to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, last year’s grant dollars helped 129,622 medically underserved individuals receive breast cancer screenings, treatment and access to survivorship and awareness programs. The funds also provided 5,180 mammograms and helped detect 170 breast cancer cases in the tri-county area. Early detection saves the lives of thousands of women each year.

“With the support of organizations like Komen, the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund and Glam-A-THON, Broward Health is able to continue offering this important care to under-or uninsured women,” stated Heather Miller, director of cancer services for Broward Health Medical Center. “We are incredibly thankful for their contributions.”

To learn more about receiving breast health services at BHMC through the Komen for the Cure® grant and other funds or to schedule an appointment, call (954) 759-7500.

For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.