(WPDE) — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) shares the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and the critical role early diagnosis plays in treatment.
According to the U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and 42,000 women die from breast cancer each year.
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From 2016 to 2020, 3,742 women died from breast cancer in South Carolina and during that time, 67% of breast cancers were early-stage diagnoses.
Director of DHEC's Cancer Program Vinita Leedom, said early detection saves lives.
“There is a 99% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is caught early. Our programs are committed to helping women access the care they need.
Through its Best Chance Network Program (BCN), DHEC offers free breast cancer screenings to qualifying women between the ages of 30 and 64 and free cervical cancer screenings starting at 21 years old.
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Last year BCN screened more than 14,000 women and the screening included an office visit at a nearby health care provider, a clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram, pap test/human papillomavirus (HPV) test, diagnostic testing for women with abnormal screening results, follow-up guidance, support services and educational information about breast and cervical cancer.
DHEC also offers breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who have household incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Limit. Women with insurance may also qualify if they meet all other eligibility requirements and their insurance has a deductible of $1,000 or more.
Selena Lowery, Director of DHEC’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and BCN explained how important access to these screenings is.
It’s important to understand that breast cancer screenings won’t prevent cancer, but it does allow you to enter treatment early, when treatment can be most effective,” Lowery said. “Access to care is key. Through our network of over 450 providers, women who were never or rarely screened for breast cancer are able to get access to regular screenings.
For more information, email BCNHelp@dhec.sc.govor call DHEC’s Division of Cancer Prevention Hotline at 1-800-450-4611.
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October 26, 2023 at 03:53AM
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DHEC emphasizes importance of regular breast cancer screenings for early detection - wpde.com
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