Free Mammograms

Last week, Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential aspirant John Edwards and the mother of two young children, appeared with her husband on the campaign trail and confessed to having failed to get a mammogram. She was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly four years ago. The cancer went into remission after chemotherapy and radiation, but resurfaced and has spread to her ribs. It is incurable.

"I do not have to be in this situation," she told an audience in Davenport, Iowa. "I am responsible for putting myself, this man, my family and frankly, putting you all at risk, too, because I think you deserve the chance to vote for this man."

Currently, "Images of Health: Mammograms for a Million Moms," a public education campaign, is helping to save lives by encouraging women to visit www.imagesofhealth.com and pledge to get a mammogram. The site allows visitors to share their breast cancer stories, search for mammography centers and view video of the mammography process

If your insurance company does not cover mammogram and/or you cannot afford to pay for this important test, here is some advice. Not all insurance companies pay for mammograms, and not every woman is eligible for the government's program intended for low income families. The following organizations can help you identify free and low cost mammograms in your area:

1) The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org 800-ACS-2345. Contact their local office.
2) YWCA's Encore Plus program: Contact local office. The National office at 800-95-EPLUS .
3) National Cancer Institute: 800-4-CANCER www.nci.nih.gov .
4) State Office of Breast and Cervical Cancer: Contact your state Dept of Health.
5) October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month: Many mammogram facilities offer their services at special fees during this period. So, In September, you may call and see what kind of deal you can get or check online at www.nbcam.org .
6) Medicare coverage of mammograms: 800-MEDICARE.