Jul 9, 2013 3 min read

Cornerstone Care’s Mobile Health Unit is again out and about.

“Thanks to the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan B. Komen Foundation, the unit is supporting our Dancing with a Pink Ribbon project in Greene County,” said Sharon Heath, Cornerstone Care’s outreach specialist. “Reaching out to women who have delayed getting breast cancer screening is a never-ending challenge,” she added.

Many women put their own health on the back burner as they struggle to make sure the rest of the family gets what it needs. Single parenting, inflexible work schedules, lack of health insurance and not enough money are typical reasons that women find it difficult to schedule regular exams. Sometimes it is years, even decades, since a person has been to a doctor’s office, especially if she doesn’t have a primary care provider, a “medical home,” or health insurance.

And that is exactly why the Komen Foundation continues to sponsor outreach projects like Cornerstone Care’s. “The folks at Komen saw what we accomplished last year when we created the Dancing with the Pink Ribbon Project in Fayette County and they decided to support the expansion to include Greene,” said Donna Simpson, outreach and mobile services manager.

Early detection of breast cancer increases the chance the cancer can be successfully treated. The earlier cancer is identified and treatment started, the greater the survival rate. It really comes down to this – a simple exam can save a life. And Cornerstone Care is doing just that.

Cornerstone Care’s goals include making sure women have a medical home and helping women to adopt a mindset for checking and knowing about their risk for breast cancer. Regular screening is an important part of a preventative approach to health care. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends women ages 40 to 49 consult with their health care provider to assist them with informed decision-making and women ages 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two years.

Cornerstone Care will partner with organizations and other health care providers to help women get cancer screening. Churches, social centers, fire halls, schools, libraries and many events are possible sites.

Spouses, sons, daughters, moms, dads and other family members and friends also can be important allies in convincing women to get a breast exam. If you know of someone interested in sponsoring a screening event, call Sharon Heath at 724-852-1001 ext. 304. Also, mark your calendar for the Dancing with a Pink Ribbon Ball Sept. 28 at the Summit Inn. Proceeds help support women’s health outreach.

For additional information, visit Dancing with a Pink Ribbon Facebook page. To order tickets call the ticket line at 724-852-1001 ext. 305.