Breast Cancer Navigator Program
Roper St. Francis Healthcare/Roper Cancer
Awarded: $68,630
Abstract Summary:The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center implemented the Breast Health Navigator Program in the summer of 2003. This program is unique in that it provides personalized assistance to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, who are uninsured or underinsured. The Navigator serves as an invaluable resource and advocate as it follows physician-referred patients before, during, and after surgery and during other necessary cancer treatments for one year. The Navigator program has demonstrated to be a success and valued by area physicians, who have referred 167 patients to the service. By providing comprehensive care at the onset of diagnosis, we hope to improve the patients' decision-making and coping skills, recovery periods, and overall well-being. The Navigator Program offers cancer education through print/media materials and one-on-one informational and counseling sessions. Secondly, this funding will provide free dietary supplements and free prosthetic supplies to assist indigent breast cancer patients with side effects associated with their various forms of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation). In addition, oral medications will be available at no charge to patients so as not to delay therapy for those who are waiting approval for participation in a pharmaceutical patient assistance program. But most of all, the Komen Lowcountry Affiliate grant will enhance patients' quality of life as they go through the difficult physical and overwhelming emotional challenges that are associated with breast cancer disease.
Partners in Confidence
Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center -Georgetown County
Awarded: $23,800
Abstract Summary: Breast cancer is increasing at about 12% per year in Georgetown County. Women who undergo surgery and treatment for breast cancer have a high level of emotional issues that accompany this disease. Most often they are the primary caregivers for their families and disruption in the normal household routine can be devastating when mom is required to be in treatment or recovery for weeks on end. Additionally, self-image can become a serious problem following surgery and treatment. Georgetown Hospital System is pleased to announce that a program is being put into place to offer psychological counseling to these women to help them through this most difficult time. We want our patients to have complete cancer care the Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center and this includes professional counseling and guidance. If a patient does not have the resources to secure counseling, it will be provided at no cost through a grant made available from the Lowcountry Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We are very grateful to have the Komen Foundation as a part of our "family taking care of family."
Breast Educational and Clinical Services
Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc
Awarded: $20,000
Abstract Summary: In 2004, the American Cancer Society estimated 3,280 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in South Carolina and 610 women will die of breast cancer in the state. (www.cdc.gov/cancer/cancerburden/sc.htm) The proposed program will increase breast cancer awareness and identify women who need further treatment. Community outreach, education and direct subsidy of mammograms for women ages 35 to 64 that live at or below 200 percent of poverty will be readily available. The outreach team (which consists of two nutritionists, four nurse practitioners, registered mammography technologist, and a community liaison,) will visit area churches, health fairs, convenience stores, groceries and other businesses to educate and inform women of the importance of mammograms and breast cancer awareness. Mammograms will be performed on patients at Chelsea Medical Center and Port Royal Medical Center. In September there will be a special Women's Health Day (including mammography) to target women who qualify.
Think Pink II
Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, Orangeburg County
Awarded: $11,970
Abstract Summary: The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties has once again been selected as a recipient for a grant from The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This grant will provide funding for working- women with no insurance, age 35-46, to have a free screening mammogram. This will also provide for the Radiologist's fee and diagnostic workup if needed. If you are a woman, age 35-46 with no insurance and you feel you meet the qualifications for these services, please call Rebecca L Hejl, Lead Mammographer at the Regional Medical Center 803-395-2841.
Educating on Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Bamberg County Disabilities and Special Needs Board
Awarded: $20,000
Abstract Summary: The primary objective of this project is to educate and counsel women on the awareness and prevention of breast cancer. Bamberg County Disabilities and Special Needs Board's focus will be on educating and screening women with mental retardation, related disabilities, and women from poverty level incomes on breast cancer detection and prevention. The project will provide screenings for women who lack health care insurance, and women who have not been examined by a gynecologist or physician in the past year(s). This project will serve at least 200 women by ensuring that they receive updated cancer prevention education and breast cancer screenings. Of the 200 women served at least 133 will receive mammograms. The project will provide education and training to these women. This will serve to heighten their awareness of breast cancer and danger signs consequently decrease the incidence of breast cancer in Bamberg County. Local on-site screenings/breast examinations and education will be conducted at low income housing complexes, group homes, churches, college campuses (Voorhees College and Denmark Technical College), and sheltered workshops, to ensure that those women with the greatest needs benefit.
Pink Prevention
Allendale County Hospital
Awarded: $10,000
Abstract Summary: This grant that has been awarded to Allendale County Hospital will provide funding for screening and diagnostic mammograms for all women ages 21-64, that are uninsured or underinsured, and reside in one of the 12 counties that are a part of the Low Country Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation (Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, and Orangeburg). The grant will also cover the cost of the radiologist fee. A doctor's order is all that is required. There are no income guidelines to qualify for this service. It is a goal of this project to reach as many uninsured and underinsured women below or above the poverty level so no one will have to do without a mammogram and run the risk of undiagnosed breast cancer. By providing this service to this select group of women, it is hoped that the morbidity caused by breast cancer will be reduced. If you qualify for these services or have any questions, please contact Fran Lightsey, Project Director, or the X-ray Department at Allendale County Hospital at 803-632-3311.
Bridging the Gap Breast Initiative
Franklin C. Fetter Family Health Center, Inc
Awarded: $20,000
Abstract Summary: Franklin C. Fetter's Bridging the Gap Breast Initiative is designed to bridge the gap in the healthcare system for two groups of women. The program will provide mammography services to two hundred African American and Hispanic women ages 35 - 46. Services will be provided within the local communities, to enhance access to care.
Rural Berkeley Breast Health Project
Berkeley Diversified Service Group
Awarded: $5,000
Abstract Summary: Berkeley Diversified Services Group, A Berkeley County non-profit was awarded a grant by the Lowcountry Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to run a breast cancer education and screening program in five rural towns of Berkeley County. Twenty-five women facilitators will be trained to assist women will be trained to assist health care professionals with educating the participants. The program will target women who are uninsured and who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The targeted group will be rural women between ages of 45-70 who do not qualify for Best Chance.
Fifty women will be targeted for free mammograms, while an additional 350 women will be targeted for the educational component of the project. The education component will include teaching participants how to perform a self-breast exam.
