Huguley Memorial Medical Center will offer free digital screening mammograms by appointment on April 11 to women without health insurance who reside in Tarrant or Johnson Counties. The event, Huguley’s fifth annual Mammography Marathon, is sponsored by a $10,000 grant from Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth Affiliate.
“The Mammography Marathon provides access for local women, many of whom are uninsured or medically underserved, to receive a free digital screening mammogram, potentially catching any cancer early when it’s most easy to treat,” said Diane Hanson, director of radiology at Huguley Memorial Medical Center.
Emcare is generously donating its radiology services for this event, eliminating any cost for the women.
“We’re removing common excuses for postponing a mammogram. We offer extended appointments from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., so it’s convenient, and there will be no expense,” Hanson continued.
Huguley has screened approximately 450 local women at its previous Mammography Marathons and anticipates screening about 100 more on April 11.
To qualify for the free Mammography Marathon, women must be at least 40 years old, have no health insurance or be underinsured, have no current breast problems, and live in Tarrant or Johnson County. Women must have a current physician’s order for a mammogram.
Those who would like to participate in the free Mammography Marathon must preregister by calling 817-551-2787 beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 26. Limited spaces are available, and appointments will not be made after April 9 or when all appointments have been filled.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive an annual mammogram starting at age 40, obtain an annual clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional and perform monthly breast self-exams.Breast cancer is the disease many women fear the most, and early detection and treatment can dramatically improve a woman’s chances of survival. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, and leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women ages 40 to 55. If detected early – and mammography is the best way to do that – the five-year survival rate for patients is more than 90 percent.
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