Arkansas breast cancer program releases annual report

BreastCare, a program of the Arkansas Department of Health, has released its state fiscal year 2012 annual report, Advocating for Underserved Arkansas Women. BreastCare provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnosis for eligible Arkansas women. The annual report provides a comprehensive overview of BreastCare and its program results. 

According to page two of the report, BreastCare served more than 12,000 women during the state fiscal year 2012. Other statistics in the report show:

· 13,291 Arkansas women were enrolled in BreastCare in state fiscal year 2012.

· 8,401 mammograms were provided to Arkansas women.

· 3,348 Pap tests were performed.

· 230 women were diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.

· 3,016 Arkansas women have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer since the program began offering screenings in February 1999.

In state fiscal year 2012, 331 more women received a mammogram than last year. The number of Arkansas women enrolled also increased by approximately 28 percent.

Dr. Namvar Zohoori, Chronic Disease Director at the Arkansas Department of Health, said, “BreastCare continues to make a positive impact on the number of Arkansas women who are receiving early breast and cervical cancer screening. I am proud of the progress we’ve made. Due to BreastCare’s screening, 57 percent of those diagnosed were in stage 0, I or II. Early detection continues to be the best tool in the fight against breast cancer.”

The Arkansas General Assembly passed the Breast Cancer Act of 1997 which ultimately created the BreastCare program. In addition to screening and diagnostic services, BreastCare brings awareness to the importance of regular breast and cervical cancer screenings through collaborative efforts of the BreastCare team, a network of health care providers and other partners who make education, screening and diagnostic services available. BreastCare is funded through Federal and State tax dollars as well as private grants. For more information about BreastCare or to view the annual report online, visit ARBreastCare.com and click on “publications.”