Help, support available through YWCA Women's Cancer Program

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and any doctor will tell you: early detection is your best chance for survival. If you don't have insurance or if you are under-insured, the YWCA's Women's Cancer Program is here to help.

Nearly 40,000 women are expected to die this year from breast cancer in the United States. A new report from the American Cancer Society said breast cancer rates are increasing in women who live in poorer areas.

In fact, a recent study shows only half of women over 40 living in poverty get regular mammograms. That number is much higher for women living in more affluent areas.

"If you have screenings, mammograms, every year and they compare the films, they can detect something as small as a grain of rice," said YWCA Women's Cancer Program Director Ruth Breyley.

THE YWCA Women's Cancer Program helps low-income, under-served, under-insured women access medical services for pap tests, clinical breast exams and mammograms. It runs completely on donations and grants.

"They call us and we say, 'yes we can help and the tears just start flowing'," said Breyley.

Breyley said last year, more than 2300 women were screened, 29 were diagnosed with breast cancer.

"And all of those received treatment because of our program," she added.

The program also offers a support group, which typically meets one evening each month, along with other services.

"We can transport, if they are Spanish-speaking or don't speak the language, we have an interpreter. And anyone that is diagnosed with breast cancer or cervical cancer, we are the avenue for treatment money," explained Breyley.

Breyley said Tippecanoe County is one of the highest in the state for uninsured women. That's why it's more important than ever for women to take advantage of the free screenings offered by the YWCA. All you have to do to get the ball rolling, is to give the YWCA a call.

More information about the program is posted on the YWCA website .