Avon grant helps fund breast cancer outreach program

Christiana Care Health System’s Community Health Outreach and Education Program at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center has received a $50,000 grant, for the 10th year in a row, from the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program to mobilize more breast cancer screenings in New Castle County.

Through the program, New Castle County women get screened and referred to Screening for Life programs or other low-cost mammograms and can receive personal support through a patient navigator.

More than 4,892 women were taught the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and 822 women were referred for mammograms and clinical breast exams last year by the Avon Helping Hands Program at Christiana Care. The innovative Avon Hats Off program will also drive more screenings by harnessing the reach of more than 80 Delaware Avon sales representatives, providing education materials to encourage clients to get mammograms.

Breast cancer is the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55 and in Delaware, 690 new cases of breast cancer will be detected this year and 120 lives will be lost this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

“While we were making strides in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment,” says Nora C. Katurakes, manager of the Community Health Outreach Program for Christiana Care. “Avon Helping Hands for Breast Health helps medically underserved women get access to early detection options.”