FAQ

American Cancer Society's Recommendation for women without breast symptoms

Women should see their health care professional beginning in their 20's to learn the benefits and limitations of monthly BSE (breast self examinations) and then report any changes to their health care professional immediately.
Women in their 20's and 30's should have a CBE (clinical breast exam) done by their health care professional every three years. Women in their 40's should see their health care professional for a CBE every year.
Women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health.

American Cancer Society's Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer-contact your health care professional immediately if any of these are present.

A new lump or mass in the breast or surrounding tissue
Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if a lump isn't felt)
Skin irritation or dimpling
Breast or nipple pain
Nipple retraction (turning inward)
Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
A nipple discharge other than breast milk

No Cost Mammograms

All program participants meeting the following guidelines will be eligible for a no cost mammogram.

Women of 40 years of age or older;
Women whose last screening mammogram was 12 months or longer;
Women whose household income is 250% or below the poverty level;
Women who work or live in the Kansas counties of Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee or Wabaunsee;
Women aged 20-40 who have a family history of breast cancer, current breast issue(s) and meet the county and income guidelines;
Men who are aged 20 and above who have a family history of breast cancer, current breast issue(s) and meet the county and income guidelines.
Those having current breast issues need to see a medical professional to obtain a written prescription for a mammogram. The Race Against Breast Cancer does not pay for office visits.

Program participants who are eligible for no cost mammography services (screening and diagnostic) are referred to local mammography providers located in Shawnee county, all of whom contract with the Race Against Breast Cancer (RABC). Program participants must have a medical professional to whom their mammography results can be sent. If a participant does not have a medical professional our office will recommend application to local health agencies. Please see our Partners page for more information on the medical professional agencies we work with.