The first recorded description of cancer was found as early as 2500 – 3000 B.C. Since then, technological advancements have brought us a long way with the more accurate diagnosis and treatment options that are available today. While survival rates have vastly improved, breast cancer remains an epidemic. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 231,840 new cases were diagnosed in 2015 in the United States. There is no tried and true method to prevent breast cancer, reports the American Cancer Society, but there are things women can do to lower their risk or at least catch it at an early, more treatable stage such as getting a mammogram.
It’s widely recommended that women 40 and over perform self-breast exams on a monthly basis and have an annual mammogram screening. Depending on individual insurance plans or lack of insurance, a mammogram screening can become pricey making it difficult for some women to afford. That’s why Venice Regional Bayfront Health offers Mammo Money, a
mammogram assistance program.
Mammo Money
Mammo Money was specifically designed for women living in Sarasota and Charlotte County who meet certain requirements. If you are 40 years of age or older, or have been advised by a doctor to have an annual mammogram and cannot afford one, you may apply for assistance through Mammo Money. Mammo Money scholarships cover 100% of the mammogram screening cost and applications are accepted all year long. The Mammo Money program is for a mammogram screening only. Additional testing may not be covered.
The Mammo Money program is exclusively available at Venice Regional Bayfront Health’s Women’s Breast Institute, located at the Venice HealthPark.
The Women’s Breast Institute at the Venice HealthPark has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and is fully accredited in mammography as well as stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided breast biopsy. Additional women’s services offered through Venice Regional Bayfront Health include gynecology, urology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The Origin of Mammo Money
Venice firefighter Frank Giddens began raising funds in support of breast cancer awareness in October 2011. Frank, joined by his fellow Venice firefighters, sold t-shirts and donated all of the proceeds from their fundraising efforts to the Hospital Volunteers of Venice, Venice Regional Bayfront Health’s volunteer organization. These funds were the seed money that helped launch the Mammo Money assistance program.
Apply for Mammo Money*
Visit veniceregional.com/mammo to view the Mammo Money program guidelines and print an application.
About Venice Regional Bayfront Health
Venice Regional Bayfront Health is a 312-bed regional health care system that is part of a seven hospital network with 6,000 healthcare professionals spanning 150 miles along the I-75 corridor. It provides a comprehensive array of health care services to the greater Venice area including cardiac, stroke, orthopedic, metabolic, wound care and women’s services. In addition to being an acute care hospital, Venice Regional’s comprehensive services include open-heart, neurosurgery, robotic surgery, and interventional radiology. Venice Regional Bayfront Health has been nationally recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission for the 5th consecutive year, one of the best hospitals for 2016-2017 in Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement by U.S. News & World Report, an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, a dual Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target Stroke and Heart Failure, the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D. Wound Care Center of Excellence Award for the 7th consecutive year, the Wound Care Distinction Award by Healogics for the 8th Consecutive year, and Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Venice Regional Bayfront Health is affiliated with Gulf Coast Medical Group clinics across Central and South Sarasota County.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
*Physician order/prescription is required. Must provide name of primary care physician and have seen PCP within one year of appointment.