Broward Health has announced that it will continue its efforts to promote early detection of breast cancer by offering free mammograms and other breast health services for those uninsured or underinsured in the community. These services are made possible through funding from several area organizations, including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate, Glam-A-THON and the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund.

"Women in our community who would otherwise decide not to be examined due to lack of insurance or other cultural or financial barriers can come to us and receive breast screening and breast health services that may save their lives," said Pia Delvaille, manager and nurse practitioner of the Lillian S. Wells Women's Health Center at Broward Health Medical Center.

Broward Health Medical Center (BHMC), the flagship facility of the Broward health system, offers a complete range of breast care services for women including imaging, biopsy, education, support groups, rehabilitation and more.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health, Black women are most likely to die from breast cancer. In addition, recent NCI-supported research indicates that aggressive breast tumors are more common in younger Black and Latino women living in low socioeconomic areas.

Broward Health recently received a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate in the amount of $80,000 to facilitate early breast cancer detection and treatment. This marks the seventh year that Broward Health and Komen have collaborated on this important issue. To date, over 1,500 mammograms and other breast health services have been funded by the donations.

Co-sponsor Glam-A-THON is a multi-event extravaganza highlighted by the Annual Glam Doll Strut. Glam-A-THON proceeds are donated to the Broward Health Foundation and are used to provide funding for women battling breast cancer at the Lillian S. Wells Women's Health Center at the Broward Health Medical Center, and at the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund at Broward Health Coral Springs. The Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund has been providing free mammograms for women in financial need for nearly 10 years.

According to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, last year's grant dollars helped 129,622 medically underserved individuals receive breast cancer screenings, treatment and access to survivorship and awareness programs. The funds also provided 5,180 mammograms and helped detect 170 breast cancer cases in the tri-county area.

"With the support of organizations like Komen, the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund and Glam-A-THON, Broward Health is able to continue offering this important care to under- or uninsured women," stated Heather Miller, director of cancer services for Broward Health Medical Center. "We are incredibly thankful for their contributions."

To learn more about receiving breast health services at BHMC through the Komen for the Cure grant, or to schedule an appointment, call (954) 759-7500.