Panhandle Health District

                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     July 11, 2011                 

Contact:                                                                          Released by: Lora Whalen, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

 

Komen Foundation Funds Breast Screenings

 

               The Panhandle Health District (PHD) can increase the number of breast cancer screenings for income-eligible women and men in the next year thanks to generous funding from the Coeur d’Alene Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

              The $125,763 from the foundation will cover ultrasounds, mammograms and breast exams for up to 510 women and men. This year is the 12th the foundation has supported PHD’s breast health program with funding.

              Last year, PHD screened 505 people with Komen funding for breast cancer. The screenings identified six breast cancers in 2010 and five already this year.

              “Most breast cancers are curable if caught early,” says Gail Turley, coordinator of the breast screening program for PHD. “This program is incredible. It’s changed lives for so many people.” 

             Idaho’s breast cancer screening rates rank the lowest in the nation. The numbers in the five northern counties have increased steadily in the last few years, but Turley would like to see more people at PHD’s door.

              Mammograms are recommended annually starting at age 40. The Komen screening program also is open to people younger than 40 who notice breast changes.

              People are eligible for the Komen program if they have no health insurance, mammograms aren’t included in their health insurance or their deductible is too high for them to afford a mammogram. They also must meet the following income requirements:

 

 

Persons in family unit

Annual

Monthly

1

$21,780

$1,815

2

$29,420

$2,452

3

$37,060

$3,088

4

$44,700

$3,725

5

$52,340

$4,362

6

$59,980

$4,998

7

$67,620

$5,635

8

$75,260

$6,272

For each additional person add

$7,640

$637

 

              For an appointment at one of the PHD offices in the five northern counties, call: