GREEN BAY – October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the time to remind women to make your doctor’s appointments.
Women should start getting mammograms every other year at the age of 40, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends under newly updated guidelines in April. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40, while the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends women have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40.
A mammogram uses X-rays to detect any abnormalities in the breast tissue and can detect cancer before any symptoms develop.
Breast cancer screening guidelines now recommend that all women get a risk assessment with their primary care doctor by age 25 to determine if screening before age 40 is necessary, particularly Black and Jewish women who have an increased risk of BRCA gene mutations. For anyone who is at a higher risk, the ACS recommends getting screenings at age 30.
If you are looking for affordable options to get breast cancer screenings in northeastern Wisconsin, here’s where to look. These are some free or low-cost ways to get breast cancer screenings and support in the Green Bay and Appleton areas.
Breast exams, mammograms through the Wisconsin Well Woman Program
The Wisconsin Well Program, offered through the state Department of Health Services, expands access to breast and cervical cancers screenings to anyone who doesn’t have health insurance. The program pays for clinical breast exams, mammograms, and diagnostic testing if your screening test is abnormal.
If you are a Wisconsinite between ages 40 and 64, don’t have health insurance or can’t pay your deductible or co-payment, and meet the income requirements, you can enroll in the program.
Apply by contacting the coordinator in your county. In Brown County, call Imelda Sanchez at 920-448-6430. In Outagamie County, call Jenny Winninghoff at 920-727-8630.
Support groups in Green Bay area
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Green Bay Oncology support group: Open to anyone going through cancer treatment, their family, or caregivers. Meetings are every third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Join in person or virtually. The next meeting is Oct. 21 at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center. Stop by or email [email protected].
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Bellin Cancer support group: A non-denominational minister provides support to anyone going through treatment or their caregivers. The group meets every third Thursday of the month at Bellin’s Cancer Center, 1580 Commanche Ave., Green Bay. Stop by or join virtually by emailing [email protected] or calling 920-430-4635.
Support groups in the Fox Valley
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ThedaCare Hope support group: The Hope support group provides education and support to anyone who is currently going through or went through cancer treatment in the past and their families. Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is at 5 p.m. Nov. 20 at ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center, 2nd Floor, 2500 E. Capitol Drive, Appleton. Join in person or on Zoom. Contact nurse Lisa Wright at 920-364-3731 to join virtually.
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ThedaCare You are Not Alone support group: ThedaCare holds a separate virtual support group for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients, survivors, and families are invited. The meeting is the third Monday of the month at 3 p.m. The next meeting is Oct. 21. Call Morgan Gonnering at 920-364-3600 for the Zoom information.
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St. Elizabeth Hospital General Cancer support group: Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital holds a support group for anyone impacted by cancer. The group meets the first Monday of the month. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1506 S. Oneida St., Appleton. Contact Carrie Olm, oncology social worker, at [email protected] to register.
Get a free ride to your appointment
Find a free ride to your treatment appointment through the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Volunteer drivers pick you up and drop you back at home. Call 800-227-2345 to schedule a ride a few days ahead of your appointment.
Sign up to become a driver at cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html.
Contact Benita Mathew at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Breast cancer resources in Green Bay and Appleton areas
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