Julie Sawicki knew she needed a mammogram, but without private health insurance, she wasn’t sure if she could afford it. Jennifer Karmin lost a friend to breast cancer, but anxiety about hospitals kept her from scheduling a mammogram.
This fall, both women received free digital breast cancer screening mammograms, thanks to an event held on Chicago’s West Side. RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center partnered with the Chicago Park District, Equal Hope, Humboldt Park Health and Siemens Healthineers to provide the screenings to women ages 40 or older.
While mammograms are considered the gold standard for detecting small, early-stage breast cancers when they are most treatable, issues like insurance status and reluctance to visit health care facilities often prevent women from receiving this vital preventive care.
Like Karmin, Sawicki saw RUSH MD Anderson’s flyers promoting the event. She was also urged by friends to sign up.
“It’s distressing that younger women are getting breast cancer,” she said. “All of my friends have been texting me telling me, ‘You better go!’”
They were among more than 220 women who were screened by RUSH MD Anderson breast imaging mammographers at Humboldt Park Boathouse. The screenings took place in a specially designed mobile unit outfitted with two private exam rooms and mammography machines.
Rush mammographers and leaders also answered questions and provided resources and education about breast health, including information about follow-up care and support.
Partnering to provide lifesaving health care
“Mammograms can save the lives of women who get them,” said Amina Ahmed, MD, director of RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center. “RUSH MD Anderson is proud to provide state-of-the-art cancer detection technology but is equally proud to partner with community organizations that address the barriers that keep too many women in Chicago from getting these regular screenings.”
Humboldt Park resident Blanca A. appreciated the community feel of the event and the nonjudgmental, reassuring tone.
“For years, I knew I needed to get (a mammogram), but I think that part of my hesitation was not having to hear ‘why did you wait?’ The staff was so nice, and it was right here near my house.”
The free screenings were made possible by philanthropic support from the Regenstein Foundation. The event involved planning and coordination with the Chicago Park District, Humboldt Park Health, Siemens Healthineers, and patient navigators from Equal Hope.
The office of 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes also provided local leadership and support.
“Access to lifesaving health care should never depend on a person’s income, insurance status or ZIP code,” she said. “By bringing free mammogram screenings directly into our community, we are breaking down barriers that too often prevent women, especially in neighborhoods like Humboldt Park, from receiving early detection and care. I am proud to partner with Rush, Humboldt Park Health, Equal Hope and the Chicago Park District to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to protect her health and future.”
Together with philanthropic and community partners, we’re finding breast cancer early to save and extend lives.
