National agencies, including the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Cancer Society, all point to troubling correlations between breast cancer, minority status and poverty. Based on national and local trends among underserved populations, Mecklenburg County presents a clear case for need. Novant Health Cancer Prevention, Education and Early Detection (NHCPED) team members provide no-cost screenings, diagnostic services and lay patient navigation to under/uninsured, low-income, minority and rural populations in an effort to eliminate barriers to timely breast health care, including screening, diagnostic and patient navigation services.
With limited funding, NHCPED team members continue to prioritize targeted individuals for grant funding, and collaborate with community partners, including county health departments and free clinics, to qualify individuals for state-funded health or charity care programs. This approach enables more individuals between ages 40-65 to obtain breast health services, leading to early breast cancer diagnoses and higher survival rates.
“Novant Health Cancer Prevention, Education and Early Detection team members are grateful to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the recent grant to support breast health services in the Charlotte region. National Breast Cancer Foundation funds provide our most at-risk patients with resources to facilitate early detection of breast cancer, which can lead to higher survival rates, and support the Novant Health mission to improve the health of our communities, one person at a time.” — Maria Kuklinski-Long, Manager, Novant Health Cancer Prevention, Education and Early Detection
Donations are always appreciated, but there are lots of great ways to get involved.
