Monthly Health Articles Archive

The Relay for Life is upon us!

This annual event gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the lives of individuals who have successfully battled cancer and remember those who lost their lives to the disease. It also provides another opportunity – to discuss the importance of cancer prevention.

There are very few people who haven’t been touched by breast cancer in some personal way. In the U.S., a woman has about a one in seven lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. In Iowa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for women. Until we know more about preventing breast cancer, early detection provides the best chance of survival and offers more treatment options. When breast cancer is found, the five-year survival rate is greater than 95%. An encouraging fact is that there are 2 million breast cancer survivors alive today in the U.S.

Women today are busier than ever. Unfortunately their health often takes a backseat to their families and careers. In order to take care of others, you must take care of yourself first. The first step toward wellness is to learn about healthy lifestyles and the necessary steps for prevention and early detection. Routine exams and preventive health screenings may take time, but it is time worth taking. Both are important steps towards early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

The Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP), is part of a national program funded by the Centers for Disease Control, that pays for preventive health screenings for eligible women ages 40-64. Kossuth Regional Health Center’s Community Health assists local women in accessing these free screenings.

This program provides no cost screening services, including an exam with your health care provider for a breast exam, mammogram, Pap smear, pelvic exam, and cholesterol screening. Many diagnostic services may also be covered. These services are available with your own personal physician or health care provider. The BCC program has been providing these free preventive screenings for eligible women in Kossuth County since 1996. Race for the Cure funds through the Susan G. Komen Foundation also provides funding locally for mammograms.

You may be eligible for these free life-saving screening services if you meet the following criteria:

• Women ages 40-64
• Have NO health insurance
• Have health insurance that does not pay for these services
• Have health insurance with a deductible or co-pay
• Meet generous income guidelines based on household size

To learn more about this program contact Mary Hilbert at Community Health at 515.295.4443 or 1.800.603.8433, ext. 613. But don’t keep the information to yourself! Spread the word about this program to your mother, sister, relatives or friends. These no-cost screenings may save your life or the life of a woman you love.