Komen funds breast screenings
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 14 years, 5 months AGO
The Panhandle Health District can increase the number of breast cancer screenings for income-eligible women and men in the next year thanks to generous funding from the Coeur d'Alene Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The $125,763 from the foundation will cover ultrasounds, mammograms and breast exams for up to 510 women and men. This year is the 12th the foundation has supported PHD's breast health program with funding.
Last year, PHD screened 505 people with Komen funding for breast cancer. The screenings identified six breast cancers in 2010 and five already this year.
"Most breast cancers are curable if caught early," says Gail Turley, coordinator of the breast screening program for PHD. "This program is incredible. It's changed lives for so many people."
Mammograms are recommended annually starting at age 40. The Komen screening program also is open to people younger than 40 who notice breast changes.
People are eligible for the Komen program if they have no health insurance, mammograms aren't included in their health insurance or their deductible is too high for them to afford a mammogram.
For income requirements and appointments at one of the PHD offices in the five northern counties, call:
* Boundary County: 257-5558
* Bonner County: 263-5159
* Kootenai County: 415-5270
* Benewah County: 245-4556
* Shoshone County: 786-7474