Pink is becoming synonymous with orange and black in October, and for a good reason. You can’t fix what you can’t see, so please schedule your annual cancer screening. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and LMS encourages all women over 40 or at risk to get their mammograms.

Together We RISE is the 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The goal is to ensure all women have access to screenings, treatment, and post-treatment checkups regardless of income, insurance, or any reason.

Get Your Breast Cancer Screening

LMS partner, Hologic, Inc., develops pioneering products for the early detection and diagnosis of illnesses, particularly breast cancer, with its Genius® 3D Mammography™ exam. Chairman, President, and CEO Steve MacMillan rang the Nasdaq opening bell on October 3 to mark the annual campaign. 

Wearing pink ribbons symbolizing breast cancer awareness began with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982. The American Cancer Society® Statistics Center estimates there will be 290,000 new breast cancer cases in 2022 and 43,000 deaths in the U.S.

You Can’t Fix What You Can’t See

The disparity by race and location continues to be one of the most startling factors. A study published on Biomedcentral.com (BMC) earlier this year found that breast cancer mortality rates are 40 percent higher for Black than White women in the U.S. despite similar incidence rates (127.3 vs. 131.6 per 100,000). 

The study adds factors such as lack of insurance, neighborhood, and access to quality food and health care as contributing to the disparity. Regardless, it is crucial for women in underserved areas to know that free or discounted mammograms are available.

Mammograms Are Available

For example, in Orange County, Florida, free screenings are available for those who qualify. They cannot have insurance and must meet income requirements. They need a referral from a medical provider, but if they don’t have one, the county will provide one at no charge at the local clinic.

It is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and also includes services such as dental, prenatal health, and others. The breast and cervical early detection program is for women aged 40 to 64. Orange County also offers complimentary transportation to local clinics.

“They can always give us a call, and we’ll explain it. Before we do anything, we qualify them, then offer any additional assistance they need,” said Evelyn, an administrator at Florida Health, in a phone interview this week. “We want them to know it’s year-round, not just Breast Cancer Awareness Month,”

Help is available if you need it, so please get your breast cancer screening. You can’t fix what you can’t see.