Free Mammogram Guide: Mammograms for Underserved Women

PJ Hamel is happy to be alive. As always. Been Through It Author, breast cancer survivor Writer, mother, wife, volunteer, and survivor: PJ Hamel joins the... Send Message Subscribe: PJ Hamel

Friday, October 19, 2007
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Q. I don’t have health insurance, and I just can’t afford the cost of a mammogram. What can I do?A. There are a number of resources you can access to receive a mammogram at no cost. Try any of these:The American Cancer Society. Go to cancer.org, find the blue box on the upper right (&ldqu...

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Mammogram
Name Withheld
Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 07:18 PM

May I also take this one step further?

I hope this doesn't happen but if the tests detect a cancerous lump, please go to a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Go to this site for a complete list, state by state: http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-list.html )

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago. I did my research, jumped into the net, asked professionals, and read everything I could in order that I could find the best and the brightest doctors.

Believe it or not, I also researched where the rich and famous are treated if they are diagnosed with cancer.

All of them - from foreign kings to American celebrities - are treated here at the Comprehensive Cancer Centers here in the U-S.

The CCC at Yale Hospital (part of Yale University) saved my wife's life - our life.

I will always be grateful.

With best wishes,

re: Mammogram
PJ Hamel
Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 08:13 PM

There are, I believe 39 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. I, too, was lucky enough to be reated at one - just 2 miles from my home. I'm glad your wife is doing well - and that she was fortunate enough to have a husband who researched the best treatment options, and was then able to access them. Best wishes to you both - PJH

re: re: Mammogram
John Edenburn
Friday, April 03, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Thank you.

Our best to you, too.

Sincerely,

Kathy & Sean

Columbia, CT

But who pays for treatment?
Anonymous
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 01:59 PM

I couldn't agree more about the importance of a mammogram, since one caught my cancer early and saved my life. But if the patient doesn't have insurance, who pays for treatment?!

re: But who pays for treatment?
PJ Hamel
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 04:53 PM

Check this link for a list of resources providing free/low-coast mammograms for underserved women. Free mammograms are out there - you just need to know where to find them. PJH

Resources for mammograms
Abby
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 12:51 AM

Thanks for such a great list. It looks to be very helpful!

no insurance = no treatment?
frustrated and uninsured
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 12:29 PM

I don't have insurance so I don't want to get a free mammogram. If it comes back and says I'm healthy, great. Otherwise, it just tells me that I'm going to die a horrible death that will likely ruin my family financially because I do not have insurance for treatment AND that I will be prevented from ever getting insurance in the future as I will have a documented 'pre-existing condition' on my record. So what's the point?

re: no insurance = no treatment?
PJ Hamel
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 01:41 PM

Hi - There's a federal program that might fit your situation just perfectly. Please read our post on mammograms and breast cancer treatment for underserved women. Good luck - PJH