Breast cancer treatment for those who can’t afford

Breast cancer continues to be the second-leading cause of cancer death in African-American women, second to only lung cancer. So, it is important that we start to discuss this deadly disease every month of the year. Beyond discussing it, we need to do something about it.

Current studies show that while the incidence of breast cancer is actually lower in African-American women, the mortality rate is much higher than it is in any other racial/ethnic group. Why does breast cancer continue to take the lives of so many African-American women?

The mortality rate of African-American women may be connected to lack of access to detection and treatment services. Combine that with economic, social constraints, such as inadequate or little health insurance, or no insurance at all, and the diagnosis and death rate start to climb.

There is one organization here in St. Louis leading the way to hopefully reverse these grave statistics. It is called Gateway to Hope. Founded by two doctors in our area in 2005, the mission of the not-for- profit organization is to save the lives of individuals who have or are at risk of having breast cancer.

They help the uninsured or underinsured by proving treatment and services at no cost to the patient. The organization maintains a network of professional partners such as doctors, hospitals and pharmacies who donate all of their services. KMOV-TV – Channel 4 is a proud sponsor.

To date its caring network of volunteers claim they have saved the lives of more than 250 women – 250 daughters, sisters, aunts, wives, mothers, family members and friends.

I encourage women in the African-American community to schedule their mammograms, and also contact Gateway to Hope if you find yourself or a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer but unable to afford medical treatment.

In order to decrease the mortality rate from breast cancer in our community, we have to start increasing the awareness year-round. We must spread the word, about the resources in our area like Gateway to Hope, where doctors, hospital staff and pharmacists work each and every day to save the lives of those with – or at risk – of having breast cancer, but can who cannot afford treatment.

Please tell the women you know, about the life saving mission of Gateway to Hope. Remember, together we can save lives.

Gateway to Hope: 314-569-1113; info@gthstl.org.

Robin Smith is a news anchor for KMOV-TV Channel 4.

source: stlamerican