Community health workers Rosa Agosto and Maggie Donahue are making a difference in the lives of Connecticut residents by participating in UConn Health’s Carol & Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement Program.
In their respective roles, Agosto and Donahue attend community and other University Health Department events to provide educational information about breast cancer prevention and screening. Help uninsured or underinsured people find resources to schedule important mammography exams and make follow-up appointments.
One such event gave Agosto, New Britain’s YWCA literacy group, an opportunity to present about breast cancer prevention and screening and the services UConn Health can provide to the uninsured and underinsured. There was. After the presentation, Agosto was contacted by New Britain resident Vanessa Neira, who pointed out, “I’m the one you’re talking about.”
Neira comes from a large family from Peru and has a history of cancer. One of her five sisters was diagnosed at age 35 and was able to receive treatment, while another sister, now in Peru, has a lump in her breast but is not covered by insurance. I haven’t. “I’m worried about her because of our family history. Our father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer early and survived,” Neira says.
Her sister, who was diagnosed at age 35, had her left breast removed and was undergoing chemotherapy. Neila wanted to get a mammogram because she was worried about herself, but she didn’t have insurance at the time.
“I’m so grateful to Rosa Agosto for connecting me with UConn Health’s free mammography program,” Neira says.
Uninsured or underinsured women can now receive free, potentially lifesaving mammograms thanks to funds donated to UConn Health by the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation. Since 2015, the foundation has donated funds to UConn Health’s breast cancer program, which focuses on early detection through annual screening.
“Our comprehensive breast team educates women about 3D mammography and early detection at various community outreach events throughout the year,” said Kim, UConn Health’s Community Outreach and Engagement Program Coordinator. Hamilton said. “Telling uninsured women that we can provide them with a free mammogram can be life-changing.”
Neila’s mammogram revealed concerning areas that required further testing, including an ultrasound and biopsy, to rule out cancer. Although she didn’t have breast cancer, she was able to get a baseline mammogram. Doctors now advise repeating it every year.
“I am grateful to the UConn Health team for supporting me throughout the process, as I needed more than just a screening mammogram. And as you can imagine, with a family history of breast cancer with my sister, I needed more than just a screening mammogram. I wanted to allay their fears and doubts,” Neira says.
“We know that early detection can help save lives,” Agosto said. “Lack of insurance should not be a barrier to mammography, and here at UConn Health, we are proud to help those who need a mammogram receive early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. ”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to remember to schedule your mammogram appointment at UConn Health by calling 860-679-2784. 3D mammograms are offered at UConn Health’s Beekley Imaging Center, which offers the latest technology, including all-digital mammography and a computer-assisted detection system that uses new technology to search for patterns commonly recognized as indicators of cancer.
UConn Health offers financial assistance programs to help uninsured patients receive medically necessary services. Patients should contact Rosa Agosto at 860-679-1694 for assistance scheduling a mammogram.
