Free mammograms and Pap smears offered at Backus can be life-savers
When Jacqueline Pastrana went in for her annual gynecological exam in 2006, she was out of work and had no insurance.
"When I explained my situation to the receptionist, she told me about the early detection program Backus offers, and I was approved immediately," said the substitute teacher and mother of two. "If I hadn’t been, I would have left without having the exam then because I didn’t have the money to pay for it."
That exam turned out to be life-altering, and Backus Hospital’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program was potentially lifesaving.
Because of the exam, Mrs. Pastrana learned she had severe cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition. Her doctor recommended surgery immediately to remove the cells, and her exams have been normal since.
"I could have ended up with cancer if not for the program," she said. "A lot of people don’t know about this program. Especially with the economy and healthcare issues, it is so important."
Backus Hospital offers the program to encourage early detection and annual checkups. It is free to women with no health insurance or whose insurance does not cover the tests, as long as they meet the income eligibility guidelines. In 2007, 464 women were screened.
Joyce Kuusela, RN, case manager at Backus Hospital, said if there is a suspicious finding, the program also covers follow-up diagnostic tests. If there is a cancer diagnosis, then there is a transition to Medicaid to cover treatment services.
Because she needed surgery, Mrs. Pastrana was able to receive help in getting Medicaid, which she said was very simple. "Joyce called me and explained how it worked, and when I went in to meet with her she had already filled out all the paperwork," she said. "All I had to do was sign the forms."
"It is so important to get regular screenings. I have had annual screenings since I was 16 and I never thought anything like this would happen," she said. "The doctors were surprised it had advanced to severe dysplasia so fast, so this was very serious."
Cervical dysplasia is a term used to describe the appearance of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus. These changes in cervical tissue are classified as mild, moderate or severe. While dysplasia itself does not cause health problems, it is considered to be a precancerous condition. Left untreated, dysplasia sometimes progresses to an early form of cancer known as cervical carcinoma in situ, and eventually to invasive cervical cancer.
Every year, between 250,000 and 1 million women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. While it can occur at any age, the peak incidence is in women between the ages of 25 to 35. Most dysplasia cases can be cured with proper treatment and follow-up. Without treatment, 30% to 50% may progress to invasive cancer.
For more information about free mammograms and Pap smears for those who qualify, call 892-6962.
Joyce Kuusela, RN, Backus Hospital’s certified Patient Navigator, with Jacqueline Pastrana and her two children.