Physicians and staff members from King's Daughters' Health and the Cancer Treatment Center work together every year to provide a variety of cancer screenings to the community. Most times, these screenings are provided free of charge.
How we're helping our community through cancer screenings:
Utilizing a 2012 grant from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, King's Daughters' Health expanded its breast cancer screening program for uninsured and underinsured women. KDH applied for the additional funds which were generated through the sale of breast cancer awarness license plates. With the grant, KDH provided 52 free mammogram screenings in 2012. This was a significant increase from the 25 to 30 screenings offered in previous years. The screenings included a clinical breast exam and a screening mammogram. Radiologists evaluted the mammograms free of charge. Early-stage breast cancer was found in patient(s) who may otherwise not have been to afford a mammogram.
According to a 2010 Community Needs Assessment, Jefferson County (IN) had a higher incidence of breast cancer compared to surrounding counties. This encouraged leaders at KDH to design and expand screening options. Our goal was to provide screenings to women most in need, including those with limited or no insurance.
In addition to the free screening program in October, KDH participated in the local Walmart's Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The hospital provided information about early detection and screening options. We also provided information about our cancer programs. Walmart donated a pink retro bicycle to the KDH Foundation, and the hospital held a raffle through the month of October. Proceeds from the raffle went to the Foundation in support of the cancer program. At the actual screening event, KDH offered additional health-related services such as BMI evaluation, blood pressure testing, nutritional information, and smoking cessation. We also provided ancillary services such as chair messages and make-up consultants at no charge. Each participant received a free gift.
King's Daughters' Health remains committed to serving those in need. We look forward to continuing our breast cancer screenings in the years to come.
Screenings include ...
Colon Cancer Screening (spring) - Working through KDH physician offices, we provide Fecal Occult home testing kits. Patients pick up the kit(s) from their physician's office, complete the exam at home, and then return the kit where they picked it up. The Fecal Occult test looks for hidden blood in the stool. Ask your physician for more information about appropriate age and testing guidelines.
Skin Cancer Screening (spring/summer) - Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States - with more than a million new cases diagnosed each year. The screening provides patients the opportunity to have a medical provider examine their skin for any suspicious lesions. This is a general screening and should not replace a more thorough examination in a physician's office. Follow-up appointments will be recommended to those participants who need further evaluation.
Breast Cancer Screening (October) - This screening targets women in our area who are uninsured or underinsured. A limited number of screenings are available. Participants receive both a clinical breast exam and a digital mammogram (to be scheduled separately). As a service, these examinations are provided free of charge.
Prostate Cancer Screening - Please contact your physician regarding appropriate guidlines for PSA (blood testing) and physical exams for prostate cancer. We typically provide at least one free prostate cancer screening per year. Dates and times vary. We target men who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have never had a prostate cancer examination.