SMMC Visiting Nurses administers the Breast and Cervical Health Program, with the goal of reducing mortality from breast and cervical cancers through early detection. The Program provides York County women between 40 - 64 years of age who have no insurance, or insurance with a high deductible, and who meet certain income guidelines, with no cost:

• Mammograms
• Pap Tests
• Breast Exams
• Pelvic Exams
• Certain Diagnostic or Follow Up Services

Once enrolled, women may receive these services each year. Clinical exams are provided by participating physicians and nurse practitioners in eight different medical practices located throughout York County. A nurse practitioner from SMMC Visiting Nurses participates in the Program. Women enrolled in the Program can receive a clinical exam and pap test from the SMMC Visiting Nurses nurse practitioner and a mammogram during a single appointment at Kennebunk Diagnostic & Therapy Center.

Educational programs on breast and cervical health are available to all women, regardless of insurance or income. SMMC Visiting Nurse staff is available to make presentations to groups, organizations, or in the workplace to provide the latest information on breast and cervical health issues, and to discuss the free screening services offered under the Breast and Cervical Health Program.

In the Spring and Fall SMMC Visiting Nurses offers Special Screening Days , where women are able to obtain clinical exams from a physician or nurse practitioner, Pap tests, and mammograms, all during a single visit. Screening Days are usually offered at different SMMC locations, including the hospital and our Diagnostic and Therapy Centers in Saco and Kenebunk. In addition, screening days are also scheduled in the Sanford and York areas of York County. For the convenience of women who work or have childcare or transportation issues the screening days are scheduled on weekdays as well as Saturday mornings. Women must enroll in either the Breast and Cervical Health Program or the Komen Program to attend a screening day. Preregistration is required. To find out if you are eligible, please call 283-7685.

Komen Grant Expands Breast Screenings & Support
The York County Breast and Cervical Health Program at SMMC Visiting Nurses (SMMCVN) has been awarded a $13,000 grant by the Maine Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to provide: (1) free mammograms and ultrasounds for eligible women 30 - 39 years old; and (2) tote bags for women diagnosed with breast cancer filled with resources and information which will help them make decisions about treatment, provide coping tools, and discuss life after treatment.

Free Mammograms for Eligible Women 30-39
SMMCVN has expanded free breast cancer screenings to women who are too young to qualify for the MBCHP Program. Woman who are 30-39 and who are a higher risk of breast cancer may qualify for a free mammogram, ultrasound and clinical exam. Women are considered at higher risk if they have a family or personal history of breast cancer, have had previous breast biopsies, or are currently experiencing a breast problem To be eligible the women must have no insurance, insurance with a high deductible, or insurance which does not cover the cost of a mammogram, and meet certain income limits.

Information Connection Offers Support for Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
The Komen grant also funds the informational tote bags which are provided to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients by the breast surgeons in York County. These totes are for any women in York County diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of income or insurance status. The goal is to connect breast cancer patients to the resources and information available to them. The information will help patients: make decisions on treatment; understand potential side effects of treatments and surgery; explore different coping strategies; access counseling and support groups; and resume their lives and activities once treatment ends. The tote contains books, video/DVD, pamphlets, and other cancer resources. There is also a ‘Companion Tote’ with materials for loved ones who are supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer through their journey through cancer.

The York County Breast Health and Cervical Health Program at SMMCVN works collaboratively with local physicians and staff to obtain referrals for both Komen and Breast and Cervical Health Programs.

For additional information, we recommend the following resources:

National Organizations:

• American Cancer Society - info on detection, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials and message board for sharing thoughts and experiences. Also has section for family and friends of cancer patients.
• Breastcancer.org - latest research news, treatment information, monthly informational on line chats with breast cancer experts, access to transcripts of past on line chats as well as discussion boards, open chat rooms, and links to other recommended web sites.
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - national calendar of events, breast cancer facts, research news, message boards and access to on-line book - Anatomy of Breast Cancer - with information on breast cancer from risk factors through treatment.
• Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization - information on types of breast cancer, diagnosis, treatment, side effects, clinical trials, and support resources and listing of their publications.
• Young Survival Coalition - information, news, clinical trials, discussion board, and support for women diagnosed with cancer at or before age 40.

State and Local Resources:

• Cancer Community Center (in South Portland) - description of free services it provides for cancer survivors and a calendar of a wide range of events, workshops and programs for cancer survivors, their families and friends.
• Maine Affiliate of the Komen Foundation - calendar of events in Maine; information on the annual fund raiser, Race for the Cure; informational press releases; opportunities for volunteering; and information on grants.
• Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program - information on program which provides eligible Maine women with free mammograms, pap tests, and clinical exams.