Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation emphasizes importance of early screenings and mammograms
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is spreading awareness about the importance of mammograms and early screenings. 8News Anchors Delaney Hall and Autumn Childress spoke with Katy Sawyer, executive director of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation about what the public should know. Sawyer explained that the organization has a new fund that helps to cover the cost of certain services for those without insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover much. "We are really excited about our newest initiative, which is a Central Virginia Diagnostic Services Fund, and in partnership with VCU Health, this fund helps uninsured and underinsured people in Richmond and Petersburg areas access diagnostic services, such as mammograms and biopsies, at no out-of-pocket costs," Sawyer said. Sawyer also explained the difference between screenings and diagnostic mammograms. "A screening mammogram is the first step for early detection and is often covered by insurance, but if they find something through that annual screening or if you find something yourself, you'll still need diagnostic testing, things like biopsies, ultrasounds, and those will typically have out-of-pocket costs," Sawyer said. Regarding those follow-up screenings that some people may need, Sawyer said out-of-pocket costs can range greatly depending on your insurance. "Follow-up screenings can range, depending on your level of insurance coverage, anywhere from hundreds to a couple thousand dollars," Sawyer said. (Photo: Jessica Wetzler/ 8News)(Photo: Jessica Wetzler/ 8News) Sawyer explained the recommended age range for folks who should get screened. "The guidance right now is from age 40 to 65 that women should be getting annual mammograms, but, if you have a family history, certainly if you find something, you should be talking to your provider about that, and you may want to start screening early," Sawyer said. A Pink Christmas Foundation brings support to women with breast cancer Sawyer added that the foundation is working with the General Assembly to create legislation that would aim to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for follow-up imaging in Virginia. For more information about the organization and its services, visit its website.
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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is spreading awareness about the importance of mammograms and early screenings.
8News Anchors Delaney Hall and Autumn Childress spoke with Katy Sawyer, executive director of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation about what the public should know.
Sawyer explained that the organization has a new fund that helps to cover the cost of certain services for those without insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover much.
"We are really excited about our newest initiative, which is a Central Virginia Diagnostic Services Fund, and in partnership with VCU Health, this fund helps uninsured and underinsured people in Richmond and Petersburg areas access diagnostic services, such as mammograms and biopsies, at no out-of-pocket costs," Sawyer said.
Sawyer also explained the difference between screenings and diagnostic mammograms.
"A screening mammogram is the first step for early detection and is often covered by insurance, but if they find something through that annual screening or if you find something yourself, you'll still need diagnostic testing, things like biopsies, ultrasounds, and those will typically have out-of-pocket costs," Sawyer said.
Regarding those follow-up screenings that some people may need, Sawyer said out-of-pocket costs can range greatly depending on your insurance.
"Follow-up screenings can range, depending on your level of insurance coverage, anywhere from hundreds to a couple thousand dollars," Sawyer said.
(Photo: Jessica Wetzler/ 8News)
(Photo: Jessica Wetzler/ 8News)
Sawyer explained the recommended age range for folks who should get screened.
"The guidance right now is from age 40 to 65 that women should be getting annual mammograms, but, if you have a family history, certainly if you find something, you should be talking to your provider about that, and you may want to start screening early," Sawyer said.
A Pink Christmas Foundation brings support to women with breast cancer
Sawyer added that the foundation is working with the General Assembly to create legislation that would aim to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for follow-up imaging in Virginia.
For more information about the organization and its services, visit its website.
