Pink ribbons, bows and clothes
In the midst of all the pink ribbons, bows and clothes, we will see this month in honor of breast cancer awareness, somewhere in our communities across North Carolina there might be a woman, or women who have never had a breast exam. There is always hope. RHCC continues its commitment to provide access to Breast Cancer Screenings and Educational opportunities for Women in North Carolina.
According to North Carolina’s State Center for Health Statistics, 9,772 women in North Carolina will be diagnosed with and 1,391 will die of breast cancer in 2015. It is more important than ever that we spread the message that early detection and prompt treatment of breast cancer saves lives. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, celebrating the lives of the many women who survived, and remembering those lost.
I encourage all women age 40-64 years of age to get yearly breast screenings and women 21-64 years of age to get cervical screenings. Early detection typically results in better health outcomes for those who are diagnosed with cancer in most cases. We want to help!
RHCC has received funding by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to provide women with breast and cervical screening services through funding provided under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP).
Who is eligible for NC BCCCP?
Women who:
are underinsured or underinsured
are without Medicare Part B or Medicaid;
are between ages 40-64 for breast screening services and 21-64 for cervical screening services;
have a household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
If you are woman or know of a woman who has not had a yearly breast and cervical exam, please do not hesitate to contact us or refer women to me for information about enrollment into this program. For more information contact me via email at: April_Locklear@rhcc1.com or by phone at 910.521.2900 ext. 107. Knowing is half the battle, and myself alongside the health centers at RHCC, we are committed to being your health care guardian.
by April Locklear- RHCC Director of Nursing