Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Cancer Screening Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

As a response to data showing that most Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) cancer patients were presenting with late-stage cancers, the Medical Center developed and implemented a series of cancer screening events for residents of the community who are otherwise unable to be seen because of a lack of health insurance. Started in January 2009, the events provide screenings for six types of cancers – breast, oral, skin, colorectal, prostate, and cervical – all free of charge to men and women age 18 and older. Regular screenings can result in the detection and removal of precancerous growths as well as diagnose cancers when are most treatable; however, many individuals in ARMC’s service area are uninsured, and do not have a primary care physician who can provide these routine screenings. Following the screenings, many participants have been qualified for special coverage plans that enable them to receive routine exams, diagnostic testing, and treatment for cancer, if necessary. Written results are provided to all participants; more specific information is provided to individuals who require additional testing or follow-up care. To date, 409 women and 255 men and participated in 2,169 cancer screenings, 289 mammograms, and 168 hemoccults (which are tests that screen for colon cancer).