Through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Mahaska Health Partnership has funds available to assist women who are uninsured or have financial need in obtaining mammograms.

According to Julie Hartke, MHP Director of Radiology, the hospital’s “Breast Health Awareness” program is being offered throughout the year, while grant funds remain available. The program has been developed to help increase the public’s awareness regarding breast health, breast cancer and the importance of mammography in early detection.

“This year, MHP is proud to offer our patients digital mammography,” Hartke said. “We will absorb the additional cost of this technology so that qualifying women can continue to receive mammography exams for free.”

Hartke said digital mammography is 15 to 28 percent more effective than standard films at detecting tumors in women who are under the age of 50, who have dense breast tissue or are near menopause. It produces excellent image quality that can be transferred electronically. This means faster, more comfortable imaging for patients, with the potential to help detect cancers earlier for some women.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a global breast cancer movement and the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. They are the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. MHP’s support for this program is coming from the Southeast Iowa Affiliate of Komen for the Cure.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women of normal risk begin receiving an annual mammogram every year beginning at age 40. Application forms for the “Breast Health Awareness” program are available at MHP, local physician’s offices, and Community Health. Forms are also located on the MHP Web site, www.mahaskahealth.com. For more information, call MHP Radiology at 672-3322.