Early Detection Does Work: Following the Funds in Kansas

When the roadblock to screening is a combination of economic barriers, problems with transportation, access-related factors, cultural barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, and misunderstanding of recommended screening frequency, Susan G. Komen Kansas grantees step forward to knock these barriers down.  We visited with Marcela Cousins, Clinical Community Coordinator with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) about an exciting new program launching this October.

 

Life is HOT (Healthy Options Today) is a new initiative through Early Detection Works for beauty salons in Wichita to educate African American women about the importance of breast health and screenings and to encourage regular mammograms with incentives.  The idea was born when Marcela Cousens was asked the question “what do you do when you are sitting in the chair at a salon?”

“When I said read a magazine,” Cousens said, “she then asked me what if there were messages on the cape written upside down?”

Kicking off this month, Life is HOT will work with local beauty professionals to incorporate the Life is HOT cape (with health messages) and window/mirror decals to encourage conversation about a healthy lifestyle and motivate clients to get mammograms by offering a $10 coupon for a return salon visit for those who do. 

“We are excited about the kick-off luncheon.” Cousins said. “We are starting small with 20-30 salons in the Wichita area, but hope to see the idea spread across the state.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Kansas women. An estimated 2,000 Kansas women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with around 400 related deaths. Increasing survival rates depends on early detection.  Women without insurance or underinsured will be referred to Early Detection Works, a program through KDHE.  The KDHE Cancer Prevention and Control Program seeks to reduce the morbidity and mortality from cancer through prevention of cancer when possible and routine screening when appropriate. Other areas of interest include access to quality diagnostic services and treatment including access to clinical trials, as well as survivorship issues and if necessary, compassion and care at the end of life.  The program provides breast and cervical cancer screening services through service providers located across the state. It addresses other comprehensive cancer issues through a network partners who are interested in reducing the burden of cancer in Kansas.

http://www.kdheks.gov/edw/ks_women.html