Free Mammograms Help Local Women Prioritize Health

ost women have heard about the importance of early detection when it comes to breast cancer. It's a key message that doctors and health organizations have been emphasizing for years. But for women who are uninsured or underinsured, the screening recommendations might not mean much. For many women, the cost of getting screened simply puts it out of reach.

UAW-Ford is changing that situation for women across Detroit and surrounding areas with its annual free mammogram program, which provides a mammogram at no charge to women in need (uninsured and underinsured).

"The fact that breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women is alarming," says Raenell Glenn, UAW-Ford's mammogram screening program organizer. "We know that for survival of this disease, early detection is the key."

The screenings will take place for two weeks in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yearly mammograms should begin at 45 for all women – or as soon as 40 if a woman chooses, the American Cancer Society notes; by age 55, every one to two years is recommended.

"We have our members and our family members that have been affected by breast cancer," Glenn says, explaining why this program is so important to the organization. "It is near and dear to our hearts. If we can help provide a way or means for somebody to get detected so they don't have to go through this, we feel that's great."

The program started five years ago as a one-day event with a mobile mammogram unit. Since then, it has grown and will now be held at Northland Radiology in Southfield for two weeks straight.

"Thus far over 500 women have been screened," Glenn says, adding that transportation will be provided if anyone needs it. "It's totally free and confidential."

Allowing the underinsured to receive a free mammogram is key to the program, since high deductibles, copays or coverage problems can also prevent women with insurance from scheduling one.

"It doesn't make sense that you have insurance yet it doesn't provide the necessary testing that you need. Because of that, they are in the pool, also," she says.

Women planning to attend should know that even if they don't have a primary care doctor, they won't be left in the lurch if something shows up on the mammogram, says Anita Craig, mammography coordinator with Northland Radiology. When they come in to be screened, "They are our patient," she says. Women will receive their mammogram report in laymen's terms, but they'll also be paired up with a physician for follow-up if needed.

"We partner with two physicians where we can send the patient for further care," she says.

Fear of a mammogram – or what it will show – can deter some women from getting screened, but it shouldn't.

"Oftentimes, these women come to us and they've never had a mammogram," Craig says. "Once they come to our facility and they see that we care, they come back to us. We've had women under this program that have been there from the first year we've started doing it. It works out great."

Making mammograms more accessible is a goal that Northland Radiology and UAW-Ford share.

"Early detection is the most important part of catching cancers – or changes in the breast before they become cancers," Craig says, highlighting why the partnership with UAW-Ford is so important. "I love everything that the UAW does and I have the highest regard for them that they are working with us. They really support women's health. I commend them for that, and I can't thank them enough for standing behind the women of the community."

Feedback on the program has been overwhelming, with many women calling months in advance to find out when the next screening will be held, Glenn says.

"That lets us know that we're on the right track. They're looking forward to it," she says, adding that the test is simple and fast, so women shouldn't hesitate to sign up. "It's very important to be screened. If you feel that you fall in this category, come down and get the mammogram."

Screenings are available by appointment only. To make an appointment please call 313-392-7398.

Get Involved!

To find out how to receive a free mammogram or for more information on the UAW-Ford free mammogram program, visit UAWFordCommunity.org. Appointments are available Oct. 16-21 and 23-28.