A breast cancer screening initiative has been started in central and northern Wisconsin, including Native American communities with the help of a grant funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Central Wisconsin Affiliate, Aspirus Women’s Health. The objective of the screening is to help women detect breast cancer in its earliest stage so that the chance of treating it and surviving breast cancer increases.
The initiative is aimed at facilitating breast self-exam education, and clinical breast exam screening using digital mammography, and referrals to any other necessary health services, in the rural population belonging to central and northern Wisconsin. It has been determined that 1 out of every 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection however increases the survival rate by 5 years in 95% percent of breast cancer cases.
Three screenings have been scheduled in the Wisconsin region, on June 25, July 24 and August 21, 2008, and more are yet to be planned and will be carried out by employing a mobile imaging unit.
A grant of $84,990 – including $64,990 has been granted by Aspirus Breast Health Initiative. “This money will help us provide high-quality screenings and reach a segment of the population we may not normally be able to reach,†said Julie Luks, M.D., Medical Director of Aspirus Women’s Health.
This grant will help Aspirus Women’s Health fulfill their own mission of bringing their resources to Central Wisconsin and to address gaps in services in the area, said Susan Ford-Hoffert, President of the Central Wisconsin Affiliate.