I Screen. You Screen. We all Screen for Breast Cancer!
Everyone knows someone who needs a mammogram. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and KBFPC wants to help more people access life-saving prevention, screening, and early detection services. (If you’d like to get involved and support our efforts, click here to sponsor a Pink Flag for the month!)
1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed* with breast cancer in their lifetime – but there is hope: when caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Early detection saves lives!
However, access to this care can be challenging in Alaska: in 2022, only 60% of Alaskan women due for annual breast cancer screening reported** getting a recent mammogram.
This month, let’s show we care by encouraging all the women in our lives to prioritize their health:
Step 1: Schedule your mammogram.
You can schedule screening mammogram appointments without a referral, but you’ll need a provider to have the imaging results sent to, and it can be helpful to establish care in advance to make sure all your questions are answered. KBFPC can help connect you to local resources including 3D Mammography at South Peninsula Hospital (screening appointments Mon-Thurs & Sat) and Central Peninsula Hospital (screening appointments Mon-Sat.) Local agencies including KBFPC also occasionally host Mobile Mammogram Units at other locations on the Kenai Peninsula.
Step 2: Call a friend and ask if they’ve scheduled their mammogram too!
Personal reminders just mean more. Let’s take care of each other and motivate everyone we love to take the time for life-saving preventative care like regular cancer screenings! Call a friend, a sister, a cousin, or ask your lovely neighbor if they’re up to date on routine care. “Shout your mammogram” to encourage everyone you know to take care of their health!
Starting at age 40, everyone should talk to their provider about annual breast cancer screening. KBFPC’s services are available regardless of ability to pay, with a Sliding Fee Scale (up to 100% discount, depending on eligibility) and enrollment support for the Alaska Breast + Cervical Screening Assistance Program. To schedule your Annual Wellness Visit at KBFPC, call 907-235-3436 or text 907-435-7505.
Learn more about breast health and cancer prevention
Join KBFPC at these community events in October!
Brake for Breakfast
Tuesday, October 8th 7:30-9:30 am
Drive through one of three locations and treat yourself to a free breakfast bag filled with goodies and lifesaving breast health information!
- Homer: at the Alaska Islands and Ocean parking lot (95 Sterling Hwy), hosted by South Peninsula Hospital
- Fritz Creek: at the Fritz Creek General Store parking lot (55770 East End), hosted by Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic
- Anchor Point: at the NTC Community Clinic parking lot (33880 Sterling Hwy), hosted by Ninilchik Traditional Council Health Center
Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday, October 16th 5:00-7:00 pm
A mid-week moment to learn about breast health from South Peninsula Hospital, plus free soup and yoga. More details to come!
*National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
**Data from the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health, Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
KBFPC’s Breast Cancer Awareness efforts are also supported in part by the Alaska Run for Women, which contributes to our community outreach and education efforts, and the Alaska Title X and Breast + Cervical (AK B+C) Screening Assistance programs, which help income-eligible clients receive high-quality screening care at low or no cost.
