october is breast cancer awareness month
Too many Oklahoma women are dying from breast cancer every year, and many of these deaths could be prevented. According to the American Cancer Society, 540 Oklahomans died of breast cancer in 2004 alone. This is higher than the national average. Unfortunately, Oklahoma is lower than the national average in receiving annual mammograms.
Breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if it is caught early, and annual mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer. However, with the rising costs of health insurance, many Oklahoma women simply cannot afford to have annual mammograms.
Approximately 226,975 Oklahoma women ages 18 to 64 do not have any form of health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Nearly 34 percent of these women are low-income.
Take Charge!, the state-funded breast and cervical cancer early detection program administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, will provide mammograms to women with a household income of up to 185 percent above the poverty level and to individuals as young as 40. Service to women who meet the program guidelines include:
· a women’s health history
· cancer risk history
· well-woman assessment
· clinical breast exam
· Pap smear and limited screening pelvic exam
· education for lowering your cancer risk
· coupon for a free mammogram for women 50-64
· referral and follow-up.
The Take Charge! program is for Oklahoma women who have no insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to cover the screening and meet income guidelines (see below).
Oklahoma women age 19 through 64 years old are eligible for clinical breast examinations, cervical cancer screening (Pap test) and follow-up referrals.
Oklahoma women age 40 through 64 years old are eligible for mammography screening.
Size of Annual
Family Income
1 $ 18,889
2 $ 25,327
3 $ 31,765
4 $ 38,203
$ 44,641
This program is available statewide. Contact the Dept. of Health toll free at 888-669-5934 to find the nearest participating location.