KentuckyOne Health Yes, Mamm Program Provides Mammograms to Women in Need - Archived

KentuckyOne Health Yes, Mamm Program Provides Mammograms to Women in Need

Lexington, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2014) — — One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but with early detection, the five-year survival rate is more than 80 percent. Mammograms are an important tool in early detection. For women 40 and older who are uninsured, KentuckyOne Health offers Yes, Mamm, a program that provides free or reduced cost mammography screenings for those who are eligible.

The overall goal of the Yes, Mamm Program is to increase awareness of breast health in the community and to provide educational outreach to low income/underserved population of women. In the past year, the Yes, Mamm Program has provided 500 free mammograms in Lexington.

“Annual mammograms can be the difference between life and death,” said Jessica Croley, MD, Medical Oncologist with KentuckyOne Cancer Care. “Regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay, we want women in our community to receive the screenings they need to help them lead long and healthy lives.”

Early detection by mammograms leads to a greater range in treatment options, including less-extensive surgery and the use of chemotherapy with fewer side effects.

As of September 23, 2010, under the Affordable Care Act, all new health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammography with no co-payment for women ages 40 and older. For women who are uninsured, the Yes, Mamm Program can help with out-of-pocket costs.

“We do not want uninsured women to be left behind,” said Dr. Croley. “We want all women to receive the screenings they need. It’s part of our mission to bring wellness, healing and hope to all.”

Saint Joseph East, part of KentuckyOne Health, will soon complete a $1 million expansion and renovation of the hospital’s breast care center. The project is funded in part by the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation and will include the new imaging technology digital breast tomography, often referred to as 3D mammography. 

For more information about the Yes, Mamm Program or to schedule a mammogram, call 859.967.5613.

About KentuckyOne Health
KentuckyOne Health was formed when two major Kentucky health care organizations came together in early 2012. KentuckyOne Health combines the Jewish and Catholic heritages of the two former systems – Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare and Saint Joseph Health System. In late 2012, the organization formed a partnership with the University of Louisville Hospital | James Graham Brown Cancer Center.  The nonprofit system is committed to improving the health of Kentuckians by integrating medical research, education, technology and health care services wherever patients receive care. KentuckyOne Health has more than 200 locations including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies across the state of Kentucky and southern Indiana.

 Mammograms and Breast Cancer Fact Sheet

 

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.
• The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year.
• Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare provider whether they should have mammogram screenings at an earlier age.
• Early detection by mammograms lead to a greater range of treatment option, including less-extensive surgery and the use of chemotherapy with fewer side effects.
• As of September 23, 2010 under the Affordable Care Act, all new health insurance plans are required to cover mammography (with no co-payment) for women ages 40 and older.
• For women who are uninsured, the Yes, Mamm! Breast Health Program provides free screenings.