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F.I.S.H. and Zonta to bring mammogram testing to Sanibel

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The Mobile Mammogram unit will be on Sanibel for its quarterly stop, stationed at the Bailey’s General Store parking lot, Thursday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PHOTO PROVIDED

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

For Sanibel and Captiva women, that ounce of prevention will be coming in the form of the Radiology Regional Center Mobile Mammogram Thursday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., thanks to sponsors F.I.S.H. of Sancap and The Zonta Foundation of SWFL Sanibel-Captiva Club.

The Mobile Mammogram unit will be on Sanibel for its quarterly stop, stationed at the Bailey’s General Store parking lot. No prescription is necessary and the Mobile Mammography Coach is a customized, mobile breast-imaging clinic, which brings the latest technology in digital mammography directly to the residences of Sanibel and Captiva.

“The appointment generally takes 20-30 minutes,” said Jessi Zeigler, program director of F.I.S.H. “Within seven to 10 business days, a written report will be sent to the physician of the woman examined.”

The mobile mammogram is a quarterly stop to give everyone the option to participate in the vital test for women. Those who are at risk the most are those women with a personal history of breast cancer, a family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as BRCA), and women who had radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30 are at higher risk for breast cancer, not average-risk.

Testing should start at the age of 40, with ages 45 to 54 highly recommended to have once a year. Women age 55 and older should have two mammograms a year, or have the choice to continue yearly screening.

“All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations and potential harms associated with breast cancer screening,” Zeigler said. “They should also be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a health care provider right away.”

According to the BreastCancer.org site, about one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. alone.

Making it more convenient for island residents to be tested has been the goal of F.I.S.H. and Zonta, which have been bringing the mobile coach since 2012.

According to Zeigler, the turnout/response has been ever changing over the years based on several factors, including timing (insurance policies allow one routine preventative mammogram per year), type of insurance and pre-screening requirements, such as the need for a prescription.

The F.I.S.H. mobile mammography program makes it easier to overcome those barriers since it does not require a prescription, and is offered once quarterly. F.I.S.H. may be able to provide financial assistance to those without insurance or who are under-insured by meeting with the individual and reviewing certain documentation with them.

“While the Affordable Healthcare Act has been helpful to many, there is still a significant percentage of those who cannot afford the Affordable Healthcare Act insurance premiums,” Zeigler added.

The Zonta Club has been involved because it’s a leader in the area helping empower women through service and advocacy.

“Such empowerment includes, among many other areas, ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all women,” said Barbara Beran, president of the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva. “Earlier this year, Zonta awarded F.I.S.H. a $5,000 grant for the express purpose of funding mammograms and other medical services. There are women on this Island who do not have the transportation and/or financial ability to go to Fort Myers for this service.”

The service F.I.S.H. and Zonta provides on a consistent basis has been appreciated by Sanibel and Captiva residents, who have been able to be tested in a more convenient process.

“The women who participate in this program are so thankful that is opportunity exists, especially right in their own backyard,” Zeigler said.

To make an appointment with the Radiology Regional Center Mobile Mammogram during its visit Sept. 8, call Zeigler at (239) 472-4775.

F.I.S.H. may be able to provide financial assistance to those without insurance or with limited financial resources, but there is no guarantee of financial assistance from F.I.S.H.

To learn more about F.I.S.H., visit their website at fishofsancap.org To learn more about Zonta of Sanibel-Captiva, visit their website at www.zontasancap.com/.