Breast Care
Recognizing the importance of early detection, GRAAHI’s new Breast Care program brings easy access mobile mammography units and expanded resources directly to our community, empowering you your healthcare journey.
Resources
Upcoming dates and locations:
COREWELL HEALTH:
May 4th
Messiah Baptist Church
513 Henry Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
9 AM – 2 PM
June 12th
Pilgrim Rest MB Church
510 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
9 AM – 2 PM
August 17th
Rhythm Health Fair at MLK Park
9 am – 2pm
October 1st: TBD
July 31st
GRAAHI Office
500 Lafayette Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI
August 28th
Pilgrim Rest MB Church
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
October 1st: TBD
Want to Learn More about Breast Health and the Risk Factors for Women and Men of Color?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and while anyone can develop it, Black women have a higher risk of dying from the disease despite a slightly lower diagnosis rate. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, with mammograms being the most effective screening method. If you’re a woman, especially a woman of color, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and develop a breast screening plan that’s right for you. Remember, early detection saves lives.
Low Income and Need Resources?
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP) provides low-income women access to breast and cervical cancer screening services (mammograms and Pap tests) and follow-up care if needed. The program does not pay for cancer treatment, but women may be eligible for a special Medicaid program through BC3NP that will cover cancer treatment.
Screening Services
Through these local public health programs, women aged 21-64 can receive screening services, such as:
- Pap smears (ages 21-64)
- Screening mammograms (ages 40-64)
- MRIs – based on client’s personal and family risk
- Diagnostic Services
- If a breast and/or cervical abnormality is identified from the screening test/exam, the woman will be referred to community providers for follow-up
Over 75 diagnostic services are provided free of cost through the BC3NP. Some of these include:
- Diagnostic mammograms
- Ultrasounds
- MRIs
- Breast biopsy
- Colposcopy services
- Colposcopy-directed biopsy services
- Medical consultations
- Family Planning: women enrolled in the BC3NP are eligible to receive cervical screening and diagnostic services.
Screening Mammography
Cancer Treatment
In the event of a diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer through the BC3NP, a woman may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. If eligible, Medicaid will pay for all of her medical expenses for as long as she is being treated for the cancer. Once treatment is no longer needed, the woman is then potentially eligible (once again, based upon age and income) for continued annual screening services through the BC3NP.
A woman remains eligible for Medicaid coverage until:
- Her health professional deems the woman is free from cancer and will not require continued cancer therapy or
- She no longer meets the eligibility criteria for this program (e.g., she has obtained creditable insurance coverage, has reached the age of 65 and has Medicare Part B, or has an income that exceeds 250 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL)).
