One in every eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. With the help of a new grant, the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI) is hoping to help more women detect breast cancer in its early stages so they can increase their chances of successful treatment.
The Central Florida Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. recently awarded FHCI a $25,000 grant for its Breast Cancer Early Detection Program, which will aid in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer among underserved, low-income women between the ages of 40 and 49.
“At Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, we are not only concerned with the treatment of cancer, but also with the prevention of cancer,” said Leslie Aldrich, FHCI administrator. “With this grant, we will be able to reach out to more women and educate them on the importance of early detection for breast cancer.”
With the grant, FHCI will work with community clinics to identify candidates for the Early Detection Program and educate women about the importance of mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. FHCI has maximized this grant for the community by already providing breast care education and free screening mammograms to more than 90 women. The program also provides core biopsies, if prescribed, for participants with abnormal results.
Women diagnosed with cancer will be assisted by an oncology caseworker and Florida Hospital’s Breast Care Coordinator in finding treatment resources.
FHCI treats more than 3,800 newly diagnosed cancer patients every year -- more than any other health system in Florida.
About the Central Florida Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foudnation
Through the internationally known Race for the Cure® 5K run and walk events and other fundraising initiatives, the Central Florida Affiliate distributed $180,000 in grants to Central Florida organizations in 2006. For more information, go to www.komencentralfloida.com.