September 20, 2006

Genesis Provides Mammograms Through Komen Foundation Voucher Program

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Just ask.

It is that easy for women in the Quad Cities region to be eligible for no-cost and low-cost mammograms throughout the year.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month nationally, but Judy McFarlin, director of the Genesis Cancer Center and Genesis Center for Breast Health, said, “this disease is such a problem for women that to us, every day of the year is breast cancer awareness day.’’

Genesis administrates and participates in a voucher program for an eight-county area in the region that makes mammograms, breast prosthesis, medical alert bracelets and wigs available at no cost or low cost. The voucher program is made possible through affiliation with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“There is a voucher application form, but there are no income guidelines or restrictions,’’ explained McFarlin, who is also President of the Quad City affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “If a woman has insurance, but cannot afford a co-pay for a mammogram, that cost can also be covered by the voucher program.

“It is important that every woman, regardless of financial resources, have access to mammograms.’’

Early detection exams for breast and cervical cancer are also available through the support of Iowa and Illinois health departments.

To contact the Genesis Center for Breast Health, call (563) 421-7626.

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