Chicago Family increases access to care for all women

Oct. 1, 2008

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC) encourages every woman to visit any of our four health center sites for breast health information and breast cancer screenings all year long. CFHC operates four sites; 9119 S. Exchange in South Chicago, 556 E. 115th Street in Pullman, 120 W. 111th Street in Roseland , and 10536 S. Ewing Avenue in East Side. Because Chicago Family Health Center is a lead agency for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, eligible women can receive free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Breast cancer will claim the lives of 1,700 women in Illinois this year. Regular screenings for cancer are so important because when detected in early stages, breast and cervical cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results. There are often no noticeable symptoms, so it is important that women get screened regularly. The tests can find any abnormal changes that could turn into cancer.

Mary DuBose, RN, BSN, Nurse Case Manager for Chicago Family Health Center’s Breast Health Awareness program states that many women of color aged 40 and older express difficulty in having enough time to care for their own health, as they are busy juggling children and family.

Mary says, “The best aspect of Chicago Family Health Center is our ability to provide quality medical care in a culturally sensitive way. Fifty-five (55) percent of women that are already registered with our Breast Health Awareness Program are African American and 44 percent are Hispanic. Most of the women we see are 40 and older, but breast health is important at every age. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about educating our community women that they are at risk for breast cancer — regardless of their age, ethnicity or family history. Breast cancer does not discriminate, and many women who don’t have a family history of breast cancer get the disease.“

Mary DuBose, RN, BSN, as a Nurse Case Manager, schedules appointments for women for breast cancer screenings and mammograms. She reviews all screening results and if a woman has an abnormal test, she organizes a treatment plan with one of the Chicago Family doctors. She says that some women are feel that mammograms and breast exams are embarrassing, painful, and uncomfortable.

“The best part of my day is spending time with a woman that is unsure about getting a breast cancer screening. And after listening to her concerns and providing emotional support and health education for her, she realizes that taking care of her own health is the most important thing she can do for her family” said Mary. “Women’s health is a family matter. Talking about breast health should be encouraged among daughters, mothers and sisters. Husbands also need to be educated about the importance of screening so that they can encourage their wives to be screened.”

Lack of health insurance is no longer a barrier for Illinois women to receive breast cancer screenings and mammograms. The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is a state funded program that provides free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests. Women over the age of 35 can receive free cervical cancer screenings, and women over the age of 40 can receive free mammograms and breast exams. The program has given almost 19,000 Illinois women access to free screenings in the past year. If breast cancer is found, women are eligible for treatment through the Illinois Department of Public Aid.

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is just one of the many state funded programs aiding in the fight against breast cancer. Chicago Family Health Center is a lead agency for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and is also a participant in the Stand Against Cancer Initiative. Stand Against Cancer works to provide breast cancer screenings and aims to reach thousands of women through community educational programs.

Chicago Family Health Center also offers a monthly Breast Cancer Support Group for breast cancer survivors and their families. The group is called “Las Comadres” and features Spanish-speaking co-facilitators so that all of our community members feel welcome. The monthly meetings are a forum for people to share their questions and connect with others that understand the challenges of living with breast cancer. The meetings are also a great opportunity to learn about breast cancer and coping skills. In September, Dr. Olopade from University of Chicago gave a presentation about the importance of cancer prevention.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment for a breast cancer screening, please contact Mary DuBose, RN, BSN, Nurse Case Manager for Chicago Family Health Center’s Breast Health Awareness Program, (773) 768-5000 ext. 1096.