KDMC receives grant for mammograms

Published 10:02 am Monday, November 8, 2010

Ashland, Ky. — King’s Daughters Medical Center received funding from the Columbus affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer foundation to provide breast cancer education and free screening mammograms for women age 40 and older who are underinsured or uninsured in Ohio counties in the KDMC market area.

“Unfortunately, the lack of availability of mammography services influences whether or not women seek this lifesaving preventive measure. Many of KDMC’s market-area counties generally have lower rates of mammography screening than areas outside the region,” said Debbie Miller, manager of KDMC Community Services.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in Kentucky. Early detection, through mammography and/or breast self-exam, is the most effective way to treat the disease before it metastasizes or spreads through the body.

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The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older have annual mammograms and do monthly breast self-exams. Women who have never or rarely been screened for breast cancer are at greater risk for late stage detection of breast cancer, which translates to higher mortality for these women.

Women participating in the project who need follow-up services for abnormal mammogram results will be referred to their healthcare providers and informed about the project’s ability to assist with further testing.

For additional information or to see if you qualify for a free mammogram, please call 1-888-377-KDMC (5362).

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.

The Komen Race for the Cure®, has invested over $1 billion to fulfill that promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

KDMC is a locally controlled, not-for-profit, 465-bed regional referral center, offering comprehensive cardiac, vascular, medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitative, psychiatric, cancer, neurological, pain care, wound care and home care services.

For additional information, visit kdmc.com, or call 1-888-377-KDMC (5362).