A friend of mine who doesn't have insurance just found a lump. What can she do?

Question

Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer about two years ago. I asked her how long it had been since her last mammogram, and she said about 8 years. I then asked her if she did self exams on a regular basis, and she said that she didn't.

After talking with her, there is a possibility that it could be fiberous, as she's had those types of masses in the past. But she's 46 years old, and it's possible that might not be the case.

Are there programs for women without insurance or other assistance, to obtain mammograms and care, should they be diagnosed with breast cancer? If so, where would I tell her to check? She's in the Lubbock (TX) area.

Answer 1

www.komen-lubbock.org/history.html is a breast cancer support organization in Lubbock. They may be able to tell you when and where cheap or free screening is available nearby. The American Cancer Society in Lubbock, 3411 73rd St. 792-7126, may also be able to point her in the right direction.

Answer 2

Whatever her financial circumstances the one thing she can not do is put off seeing a Dr because she doesn't have insurance or money. If she is employed then she can make changes in her budget to pay for seeing a Dr. A hundred bucks should be plenty to get her in the door at the Dr's office and then if the Dr suspects cancer she can not be turned away for evaluation and treatment. The important thing is to get started right away and find out if this is a benign cyst or breast cancer. If she is indigent then she should go to the local teaching hospital and demand to be treated. She would be billed but could not be turned away from treatment.

This message was brought to you in the loving memory of my friend Carol, who at 46 was uninsured, found a breast lump and then put off seeing the Dr for nine months. By the time she saw the Dr her breast cancer was still treatable but the time she wasted before seeing the Dr meant her breast cancer was incurable. Carol passed away within two years.

RIP Carol.

Answer 3

Her best bet is to contact the local community health center. They usually offer help for the uninsured. If anyone has any low or no cost mammography programs, they will know about them. Here is the contact information. Good luck.

Community Health Center of Lubbock
1318 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401
[phone] phone

Answer 4

here are links for breast cancer

Breast Cancer Link list

Low Cost or Free Mamograms in your area
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn_0.asp

Breast Cancer.net News
http://www.breastcancer.net/1.php

Breast Cancer in Men
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_male_breast_cancer_28.asp?sitearea=CRI

CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation
http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm

Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/breastcancer.html

National Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Procedure
http://www.breastbiopsy.com/mammotome_theprocedure.jsp

Y-Me national Breast Cancer Organization
http://www.y-me.org/

Answer 5

The only thing I can suggest is 1) talking to a physician
2) Calling the local health department
3) try the national cancer website

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

Answer 6

Most hospitals, especially teaching hospitals have programs for people that need help. Go in now and see what can be done, they won't turn you down and may have a program for you. Don't hesitate.

Answer 7

TRYTO FIND AN ORGANISATION ON LINE OF CANCER MAY IF YOU FIN ONE THEY MIGHT CAN HELP YOU.SOME TIMES CHURCH CAN HELP BUY HER WHILE SHE GET HER TREATMENT OF CANCER BUY HER FLORESENCE TO REDUCE HER SIODE EFFECT OF CANCER