Due for a mammogram? These Charlotte groups offer free or reduced cost screenings
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing special attention to the disease that’s one of the most common forms of cancer in the country.
But, medical experts say, people need to be vigilant year-round to identify signs of early disease when it is more treatable. That means regular self-exams and, for women of certain ages and risk levels, regular screenings such as mammograms.
In Charlotte, there are programs available to help people who lack health insurance or have other financial concerns get the potentially lifesaving preventative care they need.
Breast cancer screening guidelines
Once a woman hits age 40, the American Cancer Society recommends, she should start considering getting annual mammograms. From ages 45 to 54, women “should get mammograms every year,” the group adds.
After age 54, women “should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.”
“Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer,” the group says.
A small proportion of women, the American Cancer Society advises, should get screening MRIs as well as mammograms, due to “family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors.”
And women should also perform regular self-exams and “report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.”
Free breast cancer screening in Charlotte
Health insurance, including Medicare and North Carolina Medicaid, often covers mammograms.
But for folks who are uninsured or underinsured, there are local groups that offer free or reduced-cost breast cancer screenings, including:
Mecklenburg County Health Department: The health department’s “MeckCheck” program offers “free and low-cost breast screenings” to people who are uninsured or underinsured, have a household income that’s 250% of the federal poverty level or less and haven’t had a mammogram in the last year. To make an appointment, call 704-336-6500.
Novant Health: Novant Health facilities have grants “to help cover the cost of mammograms for those who are uninsured.” Charlotte-area residents should call 704-384-5250 for more information or 704-384-8202 to speak to someone in Spanish.
Project PINK: Project PINK, an initiative from Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute, offers “free screening mammograms and breast care” for people aged 40 and older who don’t have insurance that covers mammograms. To participate, you need to have gone at least a year without a mammogram, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, have a primary care doctor and “have no new breast lumps/concerns or pre-existing conditions.” For more information, email LCIOutreach@AtriumHealth.org.
Project PINK Plus: There’s also Project PINK Plus, which “provides patients who have an existing breast lump or other concerns the opportunity to receive a free diagnostic mammogram and follow-up care.” For more information, email LCIOutreach@AtriumHealth.org.
