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Aspirus Breast Health Initiative Jumpstarted by Komen Grant

Breast cancer screenings just became more accessible for rural populations in central and northern Wisconsin, including Native American communities.

A grant of $84,990 - including $64,990 from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central Wisconsin Affiliate - will support regional breast health screening programs by Aspirus Women's Health (http://www.aspirus.org/ourServices/index.cfmcatID=1'subCatID=10&pageID=10). Using the new Aspirus Women's Health Mobile Imaging Unit, a team will provide screenings and education to women in underserved areas.

The primary goal is to help women catch breast cancer in its early stages, which is critical. Although 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, early detection results in a 5-year survival rate of more than 95 percent.

"This money will help us provide high-quality screenings and reach a segment of the population we may not normally be able to reach," said Julie Luks, M.D. (http://www.aspirus.org/hospitalsClinics/index.cfmcatid=2'subcatID=16&pageid=234&docID=737), Medical Director of Aspirus Women's Health. 'The program really supports our mission to provide health care and health awareness to women.'

In addition to screenings, the multifaceted initiative will reach women through mailings, a media campaign, and with information provided to churches and schools.

It garnered strong local support. Radiology Associates of Wausau (http://www.rawsc.com/) and the Aspirus Health Foundation's Be a Friend 4 Life Fund (http://www.aspirus.org/ourServices/index.cfmcatID=1'subCatID=6&pageID=108) each donated $10,000 and the Komen grant was the first given out by the new Central Wisconsin affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

"We are really thrilled to award this grant," said Susan Ford-Hoffert, President of the Central Wisconsin Affiliate. "It helps us fulfill our own mission, which is to bring our resources to Central Wisconsin and to address gaps in services to our area."

Three free screenings already are scheduled, and more are planned:

When: Wednesday, June 25

Where: Memorial Health Center Clinics

320 East Main St.

Gilman, Wis.

When: Thursday, July 24

Where: Aspirus General Clinic

400 Railroad Ave.

Birnamwood, Wis.

When: Thursday, Aug. 21

Where: Aspirus General Clinic

W10618 Clinic St.

Elcho, Wis.

Screenings require telephone registration, and will include breast self-exam (http://www.aspirus.org/healthInformation/index.cfmcatID=4'subCatID=39&pageID=149&referenceid=P01505) education, clinical breast exam screening using digital mammography, and referrals to any other necessary health services.

To qualify for these free screenings, women must be older than 40, have no health insurance or a plan that prevents regular breast health screenings, and meet clinical screening criteria. Registration and participation criteria are available at 800.847.4707.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Central Wisconsin Affiliate:

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Central Wisconsin Affiliate of Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. They join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Established in 2007, the Komen Central Wisconsin Affiliate has already invested $76,000 in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Taylor, Wood and western Shawano counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stays in the central Wisconsin area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research. For more information, call 715-212-8115 or visit www.komencentralwisconsin.org.

About Aspirus:

Aspirus (http://www.aspirus.org) is a non-profit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wis. With more than 3,900 employees, Aspirus serves 14 Wisconsin counties and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan through an affiliated hospital and physician network; home health and hospice care; skilled nursing homes; pharmacies; critical care and helicopter transport services; durable medical goods; a large volunteer corps; a philanthropic and research foundation; and an extensive clinics network.

Aspirus contacts:

Andy Napgezek

715-847-2194

www.aspirus.org

Greg Aune

715-847-0479

www.aspirus.org

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