October 1 marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the numbers still get our attention.
- Each year, nearly 249,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes.
- Around 41,000 people will die from breast cancer this year.
A stat from Diagnostic Imaging Centers should be equally troubling: 40 percent of Kansas City area women who should be screened have NOT been getting mammograms.
That’s where this rolling wonder comes in: Kansas City’s first 3D Mammography provider on wheels!
According to radiologist, Dr. Linda Harrison, the goal is to reach women where they work, shop, worship and live.
It has been four years since our metro area has had a resource like this, and starting on October 1 that will change.
Dr. Harrison believes that most women should start having mammograms at age 40 and continue yearly after that. This vehicle will make that so much more likely.
In addition to accepting insurance, Diagnostic Imaging Centers is working with advocates like the Komen organization to make sure women who can’t afford the screening and have no insurance can still get checked.
So, keep your eyes open for this RV with a purpose: it just might save the life of someone you love.
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Joel Nichols can be reached at joel.nichols@kclive.tv.
