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EATONVILLE, Fla. – A Central Florida breast cancer survivor is working to ensure women across the state have access to potentially life-saving mammograms, regardless of their insurance status.
Through “The Beautiful Gate” organization’s Mammograms After Sunday Service (MASS) program, women can receive breast cancer screenings in their communities via mobile 3D mammography units.
“Our target is uninsured women,” said The Beautiful Gate’s founder, Pamela Burnett. “We can’t stop cancer. But at least we could try to stop late-stage diagnosis.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women who receive regular screenings have a 26%-lower death rate from breast cancer than those who do not receive screenings.
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The MASS program, supported by numerous partnerships, combines breast health education with accessible screening services. The mobile units make stops at various communities, such as in Eatonville on Saturday.
“I have not had a mammogram in the last year. So, I decided it’s best for me to come for my health at 70,” said Gweneth Liddy, who attended Saturday’s screening event. “It’s very important because you need, if anything goes wrong, you need to be able to detect it before it gets serious and our health is our wealth.”
Burnett, a 24-year breast cancer survivor herself, emphasizes the importance of year-round accessibility to mammograms, rather than limiting screenings to breast cancer awareness events in October.
“I still think this type of community outreach works best — that’s just my opinion,” she said.
She is now encouraging communities to make these mobile screening events a regular occurrence.
“You don’t need me to bring this mobile unit back here. Don’t let this be the last year. You make it a yearly thing, get on it now,” Burnett said.
For a list of upcoming screening events and if you’d like to register, click here.
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