Free Mammograms Portland, Oregon

Free Mammograms in Portland, Oregon

Regular mammograms can save your life. They are the best tests health professionals have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women age 50-74 should get a mammogram every two years. However, these essential healthcare services can be costly, often creating a barrier for women with financial constraints.

The good news? Portland, Oregon, features several organizations and programs providing free or low-cost mammograms and breast exams, ensuring that every woman has accessibility to these life-saving tests. This guide will help women in Portland understand their options for free mammography services, including government and NGO/non-profit organizations, and give them the necessary steps to get screened.

Government Programs

The Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (OBCCP), provided by the Oregon Health Authority, offers free mammograms and diagnostic services to eligible women. To qualify, you must be uninsured or underinsured, a resident of Oregon, 40-64 years old, and have income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

To apply for the OBCCP, you can call 1-866-408-7726 or apply online through the Oregon Health Authority website. The site also provides a list of clinics throughout Oregon, including facilities in Multnomah County, where Portland residents can be serviced.

NGO and Non-profit Organizations

The Susan G. Komen Oregon Program funds non-profit and healthcare providers to deliver free mammograms and diagnostic breast exams across 22 counties, including the Portland area, to medically underserved women. Women under the age of 40 who show symptoms or high-risk factors may also be eligible.

You can call 503-552-9160 to find the nearest Komen-affiliated clinic in Portland or visit their website for more information on their breast health services.

City-Specific Cancer Data

Between 2012 and 2016, according to Oregon State Cancer Registry, the breast cancer incidence rate in Multnomah County (where Portland is located) was 120.4 per 100,000 women, compared to a state average of 123.4. Even though the rate is slightly lower, regular screening becomes crucial as early detection is paramount to improving survival rates.

Steps to Get Screened

Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss your risk factors for breast cancer, including family medical history and personal health habits. This discussion will help determine your need for screening mammograms.

Step 2: Understand Your Options

Check out the OBCCP, Susan G. Komen Oregon Program, and other local resources. Understand the eligibility criteria, services offered, and how to apply.

Step 3: Make an Appointment

Once you've identified a clinic or program that works best for your needs, make an appointment at your earliest convenience. Remember, early detection of breast cancer increases the success rate of treatment significantly.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Appointment

On the day of your appointment, wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and avoid using deodorants or powders which may interfere with the mammogram images.

Remember, Regular Screenings Could Save Your Life

In the journey against breast cancer, regular screenings are the most effective weapons for early detection, contributing significantly to successful treatments and improved survivability. You are not alone in this journey; various programs and organizations provide free mammogram services to women in Portland. Make use of these resources, get screened, and take control of your health.