Discounted Mammograms Offered to Uninsured and Underinsured Women

Each year, mammograms provide the early detection necessary to help successfully treat breast cancer.

During October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Martin Memorial is offering $100 screening mammograms for women who are uninsured or underinsured. Payments must be self-pay and not made through insurance. To schedule a screening mammogram, call (772) 288-5817.

Martin Memorial is also continuing a program that began in May 2009 to assist women who might not otherwise have access to mammograms due to their financial situations. Martin Memorial is providing a limited number of free mammograms for medically underserved women, with help from a grant provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. That includes women who have no insurance or who are underinsured and have an income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Women must meet other certain criteria to qualify, including:

· They must be 49 years or younger.
· They must have a prescription for a mammogram from a physician.
· They must be from Martin or St. Lucie counties.

For more information, to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment, call (772) 223-5945, ext. 3331.

Mammograms play a critical role in detecting breast cancer early, which can lead to successful treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the regular use of screening mammograms can help reduce the chances of dying from breast cancer by 30 percent in women between the ages of 50 and 69, and by about 17 percent for women in their 40s.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 there will be 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,170 deaths that result from the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s goal is to provide increased awareness about breast cancer through education, while also providing mammograms for those in need. Martin Memorial was able to partner with the Foundation, which provided funding for the free mammograms.