What’s happening?
The Breast Cancer Initiative program’s update was presented by Tara Jempty, director of Williamson County and Cities Health District’s Program Eligibility and Social Services division, who detailed its requirements and goals.
“We are trying to help people who are uninsured get their screenings, diagnosis [and treatment] for breast cancer,” Jempty said.
The program provides screening mammograms, which identifies cases of breast cancer, and the initiative looks to provide the service to women who don’t necessarily have signs of the disease, Jempty said.
“We are trying to catch it very early,” Jempty said. “When found early, breast cancer is easier to treat.”
Some of the program’s requirements outlined in the presentation state eligible BCI patients must:
- Have a valid Social Security card
- Reside in Williamson County
- Be 40-74 years old or have evidence of potential breast cancer
- Not have insurance
- Not qualify for other state or county health programs
- Have an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, or about $36,700
By the numbers
In 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services estimated 143,349 new cancer cases would be diagnosed statewide.
Breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon cancers are the most common diagnoses among men and women, according to BCI’s presentation.
Sorting out details
As part of the program, WCCHD partners with Lone Star Circle of Care and ARA Diagnostic Imaging, among other providers, for breast cancer services, Jempty said.
“Anyone with an actual diagnosis of breast cancer gets referred to an oncologist immediately,” Jempty said.
Along with accepting eligible patients, another program goal is getting residents connected with local, state and federal resources. Since January, BCI has provided navigation services to 12 residents, with care coordination standing out as a common need, Jempty said.
“They just had trouble navigating medical appointments—who to call, when to call—that type of connection that we all struggle with,” Jempty said.
What they’re saying
Breast cancer death rates have declined since 1990 due to treatment and detection advancements, Jempty said. Precinct 2 County Commissioner Cynthia Long said the presentation’s data was not as high as she was expecting.
“The numbers are a lot lower than we thought they would be,” Long said. “Which, to me, that’s great news, because we’re not finding as many people as when we first started the program.”
