February 1, 2022 — For the past 14 years, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has partnered with Parkland Health (Parkland) to help support mammography screenings and the breast health patient navigation program. In 2022, NBCF is providing more than $200,000 to continue helping breast cancer patients receive potentially life-saving screenings and navigate a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Through their investment in Parkland Health, National Breast Cancer Foundation provides thousands of lifesaving mammograms and patient navigation, helping ensure patients receive the care and support they need when time is crucial,” said Michael A. Horne, EdD, MPP, president and CEO, Parkland Foundation. “NBCF has been a steadfast partner in this endeavor and we are grateful for their support of Parkland.”
As the only public safety-net health system in Dallas County, Parkland is building bridges for those most in need to access critical resources regardless of ZIP code, race, ethnicity, or income level. At Parkland, breast cancer patients are diagnosed younger than the national average (36% under the age of 50 vs 19% nationally) and at later stages (23% are stage III and IV collectively at the time of diagnosis vs 10% nationally). Women of color are disproportionately impacted: once diagnosed, Black women have the highest age-adjusted mortality rate for breast cancer and it is the number one cause of Latinx cancer deaths.
With the support of the NBCF grant, Parkland’s patient navigator program will continue to provide breast cancer patients with a guide to help them every step of their journey from screening to survivorship. The patient navigator program works in tandem with Parkland’s primary care and community organization partners in several ways including: working onsite at outreach events held at partner sites, working in community clinics where patients receive their cancer diagnosis, and connecting patients with community resources such as food pantries, transportation, counseling, etc. NBCF’s ongoing partnership will continue to help with cancer education, screening, diagnostic, treatment and survivorship services.
“Our mission at National Breast Cancer Foundation is to help breast cancer patients now,” said Douglas Feil, NBCF Chief Program Officer. “As part of our mission, we partner with hospitals across the country, and Parkland stands out. Not only is Parkland effective at caring for patients in need, they do their work with compassion, ingenuity and tireless effort. I can’t think of a better hospital at impactfully serving their local community.”
More than 30,000 screening exams and diagnostic tests are provided through Parkland’s comprehensive breast health program every year. With the addition of the Moody Center for Breast Health – which opened February 2021 – and the mammography suite at the RedBird Health Center, which is scheduled to open in February 2022, Parkland continues to decrease barriers to care and existing disparities in Dallas County. You can help more women in Dallas County become breast cancer survivors by making education, early detection, treatment and survivor support accessible to those who need it most.
About National Breast Cancer Foundation
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, NBCF is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 15 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education and patient support programs. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/