San Antonio Junior Forum’s $9,850 grant provides support for 3D mammograms

The Friends of Christus Santa Rosa Foundation on April 29 was awarded a $9,850 grant from the nonprofit San Antonio Junior Forum that will fund 3D mammograms for those who are uninsured and underinsured across the San Antonio area through the Christus Santa Rosa Mobile Mammography Unit.

The background

Representatives with the Friends of Christus Santa Rosa Foundation said in a news release the MMU features various screening services and offers access to Christus Santa Rosa Health System’s integrated care for further diagnostics or treatment as necessary.

The grant will provide 50 people with a 3D mammogram—an advanced imaging method for breast cancer screenings—at no cost to the patient, the release stated. Unlike traditional 2D mammograms, 3D screenings capture multiple X-ray images from different angles and reconstruct them into a three-dimensional representation of breast tissue, providing numerous advantages for medical staff and patients.

Studies show one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, which equates to a diagnosis, on average, every two minutes, the release stated. Representatives with Christus Santa Rosa Health System said early detection is vital, and there is a growing need for more women to be screened regularly for breast cancer.

What they’re saying

Dr. Ian Thompson, president and chief development officer of the Friends of Christus Santa Rosa Foundation, said thousands of women across South Central Texas forgo preventative mammograms due to being uninsured, not having the resources to pay for a screening or not having the means to travel long distances for care.

“We are blessed to be able to bring free and convenient care to our communities through the MMU. We are grateful to the San Antonio Junior Forum for helping provide compassionate and innovate health care services,” Thompson said in a statement.