Planned Parenthood of Indiana Urges Women to Get Breast Cancer Screenings

This month, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is joining with numerous other women’s health organizations around the country in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As one of the most trusted and reliable health care organizations in the state, PPIN will continue its focus this month on preventive care and education on breast cancer at the organization’s 35 Indiana health centers.

The 2007 Indiana Cancer Registry shows that breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in Indiana women. The registry reports that 3,613 Hoosier women were diagnosed with the disease in 2006. That’s well above the 1,973 women diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer in the state during that period.

“We have more than 91,000 patients statewide and provide thousands of breast exams. We teach our patients the importance of monthly self-exams and how to do them properly. We also make referrals to ensure that our patients get the comprehensive medical treatment they need to avoid tragic outcomes from illnesses such as breast and cervical cancers,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum.

However, there are still many women who are not taking advantage of the services offered by PPIN and other low-cost health centers in the state. PPIN’s health centers include breast examinations as part of their patients’ annual exams, along with Pap tests. The cost for this exam is under $60 for most patients. It is also offered on a sliding income scale and is even free for some.

PPIN has been there for many women in their time of need. One example is our patient, Linda. She was unable to work, had no insurance and no means of transportation.

During her initial exam, the PPIN nurse practitioner discovered a lump in Linda’s breast and her Pap test revealed pre-cancerous cells. Thanks to PPIN’s Women’s Health Fund, we were able to perform a colposcopy (a diagnostic procedure for cervical cancer) at no charge. PPIN staff also contacted the local Red Cross and a breast specialist who were able to assist Linda with her breast cancer treatment at a low cost.

“Linda’s story is one of the many that our staff members see on a daily basis, which is why we all work so hard to ensure we can continue to protect health care options for women,” Cockrum said. “We are honored to join so many others in continuing to promote awareness and prevention of a disease that takes too many of our loved ones on a yearly basis.”