For 18 years, the BBN has played a critical role in the fight against breast cancer by providing access to breast health services and information in a timely manner to women (and men) that otherwise have no recourse and would merely forego preventative and/or treatment services. The BBN provides low income, uninsured and under-insured North Texans with access to breast health information and services through a coordinated effort of over 200 medical providers and community-based organizations. Our patient navigators and extensive medical and social service network currently work hand-in-hand to provide a continuum of care from diagnostic to breast cancer treatment services.

CPRIT funding w...

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For 18 years, the BBN has played a critical role in the fight against breast cancer by providing access to breast health services and information in a timely manner to women (and men) that otherwise have no recourse and would merely forego preventative and/or treatment services. The BBN provides low income, uninsured and under-insured North Texans with access to breast health information and services through a coordinated effort of over 200 medical providers and community-based organizations. Our patient navigators and extensive medical and social service network currently work hand-in-hand to provide a continuum of care from diagnostic to breast cancer treatment services.

CPRIT funding will allow the BBN to implement a comprehensive breast cancer screening and prevention program in a six-county area within Health Service Region 03. The goal of the BBN Bridging Access to Breast Healthcare Services proposal is to implement a comprehensive program that includes breast health education, screenings, diagnostic procedures and patient navigation services to 3,395 women in Collin, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties to reduce the incidence of late-stage breast cancer and increase survival. The BBN program will include education and awareness, prevention strategies, and an annual early detection-screening program (utilizing mobile and freestanding mammography facilities) that will allow more early stage breast cancers to be detected.

Our comprehensive system will provide a continuum of care for women receiving a positive diagnosis. They will be screened for eligibility under the Texas Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Women who do not qualify for Medicaid will be assisted through our BBN program. Preventative and routine healthcare access allows mothers, children and families to stay healthy and take responsibility for their well-being. The BBN Bridging Access to Breast Healthcare Services Program provides access to vital breast health services through a comprehensive coordinated effort with our community partners and local health care facilities and clinics.

Women will receive breast cancer screening services and access to other vital medical services (including Pap smears through a partnership with BCCS provider Planned Parenthood of North Texas and other Texas Medicaid Women’s Access providers). Because the BBN already has existing contracts with imaging providers that offer breast cancer screening services, implementation of a comprehensive screening mammogram program can happen within 30 days. Access and early intervention lead to survival.

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