Screening Saves helped people get back on track with cancer screenings and consultations with experts
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS), saw over 160 people on Saturday, Oct. 29 for a cancer screening event open to the public. To help the community catch up on routine screening, the Screening Saves: Cancer Screening and Education Event offered screening mammograms, head and neck examinations and colorectal cancer screening consolations throughout the day.
“At Karmanos, we stress the importance of catching cancer early, before it may spread and at the point where it is most curable,” explained April Brown, director of Concierge Services and Screening and Prevention at Karmanos. “Unfortunately, the pandemic may have thrown off health screening schedules for so many people, so this event was to help residents get back on track, learn about the signs and symptoms for multiple types of cancers and learn about the cancer risk factors that they can change in an effort to prevent the disease.”
Karmanos experts were on hand at the event to answer questions and provided information about Karmanos’ Screening and Prevention Program within the cancer centers throughout the Karmanos network. Head and neck, colon and lung cancer screening specialists explained guidelines to screening and how to schedule these important screenings through Karmanos. Information on clinical trials, genetic counseling and women’s wellness was available to participants. Karmanos specialists also assisted uninsured and underinsured women with information and enrollment in the Michigan Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP), which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Partnering with ACS, both organizations met to find a way to increase breast screening numbers. Still, a greater need for other cancer screenings transformed what the event offered.
“The number of women routinely getting their mammograms is less than it was before the pandemic, so this event started out as a way to raise that number in Southeast Michigan,” explained Megan Landry, senior manager of Cancer Support Strategic Partnerships at ACS. “Routine screenings are one way to prevent cancer, but our partnership with Karmanos allowed us to also offer tips and factors so participants understood how they can lower their risk of cancer on their own.”
“We opened the door and many people took the opportunity to take charge of their health and prevent cancer at this event. The mammography appointments filled up quickly,” Brown said.
At Saturday’s event, 56 women received mammograms, 10 people received a colorectal cancer screening consultation and 65 people received a head and neck cancer screening and consultation, while other participants received information and scheduled future appointments for cancer screenings.
“Adding more cancer screening consultations and information for the community also gave participants that connection to Karmanos,” Brown added. “Many walked out the door and now have a place to make their next appointment and receive their routine screenings – some even made those future screening appointments while they were at the event. We certainly hope this event served as a reminder to take action.”
People do not have to have cancer to receive a cancer screening at Karmanos. Get caught up on routine screenings by scheduling an appointment or consultation at karmanos.org/cancerscreening or call 1-800-KARMANOS. Free breast and cervical cancer screenings are available for eligible women who are uninsured and underinsured through the Michigan Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). Call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit karmanos.org/bcccp to learn more and to schedule a screening under the BCCCP.