Breast health care is lifesaving, but for individuals across Southwest Florida, financial barriers prevent regular screenings, early detection and treatment. Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PfBCC) exists to make breast health care accessible for men and women throughout our five-county region. No one should go without vital preventative care simply because they can’t afford it or are uninsured.
PfBCC is the only nonprofit that provides no-cost breast cancer screening, diagnostic services and treatment to uninsured and limited-income individuals in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties. Our organization serves as a safety net for people who might forgo care – which could result in devastating consequences. Our mission is centered around early detection and regular screenings, providing uninsured residents with limited income with access to critical services before a diagnosis is made. When cancer is found, we continue to walk with them, funding and coordinating the breast care they need every step of the way.
We partner with local doctors to provide clients with a full continuum of care, from mammograms, imaging and biopsies to surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation and follow-up care. All services are funded by and scheduled by our organization.
Individuals in need of breast health services are encouraged to call PfBCC to learn more about their eligibility and the application process. When prospective clients call, our case manager will walk them through a questionnaire to determine their eligibility and breast health needs. Eligible women and men must:
· Be uninsured
· Have a household income up to and including 400% of federal poverty guidelines
· Be a legal resident of Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry or Collier County
Once approved, patients receive care coordination and support throughout their breast health journey, allowing them to focus on healing, not financial stress. From diagnosis to treatment, PfBCC remains by their side.
Volunteers are vital in advancing PfBCC’s mission. From community outreach to supporting clients through their cancer journey, volunteers help foster a supportive community and expand PfBCC’s mission throughout Southwest Florida.
PfBCC receives no federal, state, county or city funding – all funds are raised in the community. Every donation, regardless of size, helps ensure that lifesaving breast health services remain accessible to those who need them most. With the support of our donors and community partners, we have helped 20,000 individuals, funded nearly 30,000 breast care procedures and diagnosed 409 women and one man, all at no cost to the clients.
Our organization is built on the belief that being able to live a healthy, fulfilling life should not depend on income or insurance status. Early detection saves lives, and staying consistent with health screenings can make a critical difference.
Through collaboration, compassion and community support, PfBCC continues to protect the health and dignity of neighbors across Southwest Florida. For more information about receiving care, volunteering or making a donation, visit PFBCC.org or call 239-454-8583.
Janet Darnell is executive director of Partners for Breast Cancer Care, a nonprofit that funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for underserved women and men in Southwest Florida.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Removing barriers, creating access to breast cancer care | Opinion
Reporting by Janet Darnell / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
