Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in Georgia (Georgia Department of Public Health) and the leading cause of cancer death for Black women in Georgia (American Cancer Society). According to The Komen Atlanta 2015 Community Profile, Black women in the greater Atlanta area are 30% more likely than white women to have breast cancer diagnosed at a later stage and are 45% more likely to die of breast cancer. We also know that Latina women and women in rural communities are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, increasing the risk for late-stage diagnosis. As one of the largest providers of care in Georgia serving diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities, Wellstar is committed to addressing the damaging health disparities that impact our communities. For more than a decade, Wellstar has provided breast screening and
diagnostic services to individuals who lack access to or are unable to afford these life-saving services within Wellstar’s service areas. By providing these services at no cost to those in need, we seek to eliminate existing breast cancer disparities and decrease the number of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses by providing access to healthcare within the communities we serve. This program increases the number of regular mammogram screenings and diagnostic services provided, particularly within high-risk communities, enabling Wellstar healthcare providers to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage and resulting in better treatment options and improved outcomes for our community members.
1,600+ free mammograms provided
To identify patients who need access to these services most, we partner with local health departments, community clinics, and a robust list of other trusted community organizations. The Wellstar physician liaison team and Wellstar Clinical Partners team also works with 2,500+ Wellstar Medical Group physicians and partner physicians throughout our service area to generate referrals to the program. Many of our community members rely on this program for their annual mammogram, and we continue to reach new patients through new methods of outreach and community and physician partnerships. This program is fully funded by community partners and individual donors, including Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen and Wellstar Team Member Giving donors. SUCCESS STORY: A breast cancer survivor was “lost to follow-up” due to losing Medicaid coverage. When she presented to the ER with concerning symptoms the oncology nurse navigator intervened. Despite the patient’s inability to afford a doctor’s visit, the navigator secured an order for a diagnostic mammogram. This swift action, facilitated by a voucher program, led to a timely diagnosis and the patient is now back on treatment. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer, also called colon or rectal cancer, is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second most common cancer- related death. WCHE partners with BLKHLTH to improve colorectal cancer
screening rates among traditionally medically underserved communities. The national #GoodDownThere campaign with Colorectal Cancer Alliance is designed to reduce stigma surrounding colorectal care by providing equity-centric access for colorectal cancer.
16 | WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM
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