The power of prevention and screening

In a world where our inboxes are flooded with cautionary messages about unknown links and attachments, there is one message that should be welcomed and embraced – the call for breast cancer screening. Every year, in the United States, countless lives are touched by the harrowing diagnosis of breast cancer. However, there is hope, and it lies in the power of prevention and early detection through screening.

The statistics are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in eight women faces the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. But there’s a brighter side to this statistic. Women who undergo regular screening tests and examinations are now living fuller lives, thanks to early detection and improved treatment options. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s imperative that we emphasize the significance of prevention and screening, and make Nebraskans aware of the invaluable resources available to them.

Breast cancer can happen to anyone, irrespective of risk factors. The key is to catch it early, when it’s most treatable. Charity Menefee, Director of the Division of Public Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), rightly reminds us that “If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, please know that you are not alone.” In the United States, there are more than four million breast cancer survivors, a testament to the advances in early detection and treatment.

The CDC recommends that women between the ages of 50-74, who are at an average risk for breast cancer, undergo a mammogram every two years. For women aged 40-49, it is crucial to consult with their doctors about when to begin screening and the frequency of mammograms.

A lifeline for Nebraskans is the Every Woman Matters (EWM) program, a federally funded initiative covering the cost of essential screenings. This program includes office visits associated with pap tests, pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, lab fees, age-appropriate mammography, and a limited number of diagnostic tests. You may qualify for EWM if you are a female between 40-74 years old, have no health insurance, are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and fall within specific income thresholds.

But it’s not just about age or insurance status. Early detection is for everyone. For those under 40, you may be eligible for the EWM Diagnostic Program or the State Pap Plus Program, which offers diagnostic services like mammograms, ultrasounds, breast biopsies, colposcopies, and more. To learn more, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/EWM-Diagnostic-Program.aspx or contact EWM at 800-532-2227.

Preventive health screenings are not just about your health; they are a promise to your family and loved ones. They are your proactive stance against a disease that can be curable when detected early. It’s essential to recognize that you have more options than you might think. Explore the resources available, such as Every Woman Matters, the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program, and Nebraska Medicaid Expansion/Heritage Health Adult, by visiting https://preventionmatters.ne.gov/.

In a world filled with uncertainties, one thing is clear – breast cancer screening saves lives. It’s time for us to be proactive, to take charge of our health, and to encourage our loved ones to do the same. Let’s unite in the fight against breast cancer through the power of prevention and screening, because early detection is the key to brighter tomorrows.