Free Mammograms Wichita, Kansas

Guide to Free Mammograms in Wichita, Kansas

The fear and uncertainty around breast cancer can be significant, but early, regular screening is one of the most effective tools at our disposal to fight this disease. This is especially important in Wichita, where research indicates that breast cancer incidences are amongst the highest within the State of Kansas. According to the Kansas Cancer Registry, in 2019, Wichita had a breast cancer rate of 127.8 per 100,000 females. This guide is for women in Wichita who are seeking information on obtaining free mammograms and will detail both government and non-profit options.

Governmental Resources

Starting with governmental resources, there's the Kansas Early Detection Works (EDW) program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to women between the ages of 40 and 64 who lack health insurance and have a household income at or below 225 per cent of the federal poverty level. In Wichita, the Kansas EDW program partners with several providers, which can be contacted directly to arrange for a mammogram. You can find a list of these providers, along with their contact details, on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) website.

Non-Profit Organizations

For non-profit support, several organizations stand out: 1.Susan G. Komen Kansas and Western Missouri: This branch of the nation-wide organization offers financial assistance for breast cancer screenings to underserved women. There’s a specific focus on those women who are uninsured or under-insured. Visit their website to apply for aid. 2.YWCA Women's Cancer Program: Conveniently located in downtown Wichita, this program offers free mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women who qualify by income and age. Contact them directly for full details. 3.Victory in the Valley: This Wichita-based non-profit provides limited financial assistance for women who need a mammogram but can't afford it. They also offer free mastectomy bras and prostheses to women who have had surgery due to breast cancer.

Steps to Get Screened

The process of getting a mammogram may seem daunting at first, but the actual steps are rather straightforward: 1.Verification of Eligibility: Regardless of the resource you choose, the first step is often verifying your eligibility for free or low-cost services. This typically involves providing information about your health insurance status and your household income. 2.Appointment Scheduling: Once your eligibility has been established, you will be able to schedule your appointment with the specified provider for that organization or program. 3.Mammogram Procedure: On the day of your mammogram, you'll be guided through the process by highly professional healthcare providers. A typical mammogram involves taking multiple X-ray images of each breast from different angles. 4.Results and Follow-up: After the mammogram is done, your results will be sent directly to you and your primary healthcare provider. If any anomalies are detected, follow-up tests may be needed, and the same organization or program can typically guide you through this process.

Conclusion

Early detection can make all the difference in successfully treating breast cancer. With the resources available in Wichita, financial constraints shouldn't be a deterrent for women to get screened. Whether through government programs like the Kansas EDW or local non-profit organizations like the Susan G. Komen branch, the YWCA Women's Cancer Program, or Victory in the Valley, free or low-cost mammograms are within reach. Check your eligibility, schedule an appointment, and take the critical step towards ensuring your health today.