Free mammograms to underserved Alabama women | Health

The following news release was sent to FOX6 News by the Alabama Department of Public Health:

Thanks to the consistent generosity of the nonprofit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Central Alabama Affiliate, over the past 10 years, the Alabama Department of Public Health can continue to provide free mammograms to underserved women.  

During that time, Komen funds have provided over 17,573 mammograms and diagnosed 221 breast cancers. Apart from mammograms, Komen funds were also used for breast ultrasounds and biopsies when needed. This year, ADPH was awarded $412,532 toward breast cancer screening.

The funds granted to ADPH by Komen are a result of donations through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as well as private donations throughout the year. Without these funds, ADPH would be unable to provide mammograms to women age 40-49 who have no insurance and who have a low income.

“Thank God for Susan G. Komen and the grants Alabama has for these programs,” stated a recent recipient of program services, Lisa S. Barnett of Lauderdale County.

ADPH’s program, the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP) is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide free breast cancer screening to women age 50-64 who have no insurance and a low income. Funds from private agencies like Komen enable the program to serve additional women, women age 40-49 and women who are at very high risk for breast cancer.

“We are very appreciative of the donation of private funds by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Central Alabama Affiliate,” said Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer.

Ellen Zahariadis of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Central Alabama Affiliate, said, “Early detection of breast cancers saves lives. We do everything we can to ensure every woman who should have a mammogram is able to have a mammogram.”

Breast cancer screening services include clinical breast examinations and mammograms. If an abnormality is detected, diagnostic testing may include an ultrasound or biopsy. For more information about ABCCEDP call 1-877-252-3324or visit the website at adph.org/earlydetection.