Little Rock, Ark. – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Nearly 400 women die due to breast cancer, and over 2,690 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women both in Arkansas and across the United States. The state currently ranks 35th lowest for mammography and 43rd lowest for pap tests. While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Breast cancer screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes. It is now recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that women aged 40-74 years old get a screening mammogram every two years.
The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. This program will provide eligible women aged 21-64 free cervical cancer screening and women aged 40-64 free breast cancer screening. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 155,972 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are, there is a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast and cervical cancer by getting screened.