Clinics partner to offer free mammograms

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — March 19, 2010

Free breast cancer screenings will be once again offered to low-income women in their 40s in the Santa Barbara area thanks to a collaborative effort by Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and Sansum Clinic.

Last year, the state public health department eliminated free mammograms for women in their 40s who make less than $22,000 a year as part of budget cuts to its “Every Woman Counts” program. Although mammograms are still offered to qualifying women older than 50, local officials said catching breast cancer early is critical.

“The earlier breast cancer is detected, the earlier it can be removed and treated, prolonging lifespan and also lessening costs of more aggressive interventions required in late-stage cancer development,” according to a news release from the two organizations.

Roughly 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and regular mammograms and timely treatment can reduce the risk of dying by 17 percent for women in their 40s.

More information about the SBNC/Sansum Clinic Breast Cancer Prevention Program, send an email to info@sbclinics.com or call 617-7853.

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Huh? : 3/19/2010

Are they going to turn women who make more than $22K a year away? Any woman who needs to be checked, should have the opportunity, not just the "poor" or illegals.

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