Mercy St. Francis Hospital will host its first free 3D mammogram screening event on April 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. for women 40 years old and older who are underinsured and uninsured.
This free community event is a collaboration between Mercy St. Francis and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), which is sponsoring the screening. BCFO was founded by Mary Beth O’Reilly in 1999 with a mission to increase education and awareness of breast cancer. The nonprofit supports patients and families impacted by breast cancer by serving as a source of education and providing resources and a sense of community.
“We’re proud to partner with Mercy St. Francis to bring free mammogram screenings to the un- and underinsured in the area,” said Meagan Walkenhorst, chief operating officer at BCFO. “Early detection saves lives, and we know if patients don’t have access to affordable health care, they often forego this lifesaving screening. We hope word of this free event spreads, so those who can benefit from screenings are able to attend.”
While many diseases are on the decline, research suggests incidents of breast cancer are on the rise and are impacting women younger than 50 at an alarming rate. Doctors recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40, but some those with increased risk, including a family history of the disease, might need to begin screenings earlier.
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women in the United States following lung cancer. Mammograms are a safe and reliable way to catch breast cancer early.
“A simple mammogram screening can be the difference between catching breast cancer when it’s in stage 1 versus catching it at stage 4,” said Trish Rees, radiology services manager at Mercy St. Francis. “Our ability to provide patients with 3D mammograms means we can catch more cases of breast cancer and catch them early. And thanks to BCFO, we’ll be able to provide this lifesaving screening to women who might not be able to afford them. We’re grateful to BCFO and the impact they have made around the Ozarks.”
To qualify for the free screening on April 9, patients must be 40 or older and have photo ID. For questions or additional information, call 417-934-7000. Patients having breast issues or concerns should follow up with their provider.
