Cost vs. Price...A message from CEO Dorothy Gibbons

By now most folks have heard about the recent controversy surrounding the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) proposed recommendations. It was listed as one of the top five news stories in the nation for 2009. These new recommendations advocate women putting off screening until age 50, instead of age 40, as current guidelines state. Needless to say, this announcement sent shockwaves throughout the breast health community for many reasons.

The suggestion that women should not begin routine screening until age 50 creates yet another barrier for women and raises so many questions around the value of mammography. The mixed messages being broadcast almost daily are taking a toll and negating years of public education about the importance of early detection in long-term survival. Access to quality breast health care should be a matter of concern for every woman, regardless of age, family medical history, or socioeconomic background.

Last year, 335 women were diagnosed with breast cancer by The Rose. Of those women, almost one-third, 105 were in their 40s and 37 were under 40 years old! Almost as many women who were diagnosed were under the “proposed recommended age of 50” as were over. Our statistics are clear and leave no doubt that mammography must continue to be affordable, accessible and available to women in their forties.

The debate is actually a question of “cost verses price.” Statistically justifying “cost” savings by eliminating screening is one thing, but there is no way—morally, ethically or statistically – to put a price on a woman’s life. That “price factor” has been ignored in the equations.

Mammography is still the most effective screening tool in finding cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. We also believe that breast self-examination should be part of every woman’s regular health routine. Breast self-examination is by no means meant to be substitute for a physician’s medical examination or mammogram, but if you are familiar with your body, you will be the first to notice when something isn’t quite “right.”

The bottom line is your health belongs to you! Empower yourself by learning more about your personal medical history, consider the facts and talk with your personal physician. Participate in the success of your own health by committing to a mammogram as required by your personal health, family history, or age. The recommendation you settle on will be just that – personal.

Dorothy Gibbons on KILT

The Rose CEO and Co-founder Dorothy Gibbons chatted with KILT's Rowdy Yates about our Bikers Against Breast Cancer rally that is happening on Saturday! Click here to listen to the interview.

For more information about Bikers Against Breast Cancer, please visit our website http://www.therose.org/.

Your Mammogram is a Gift to Another

A note from our CEO, Dorothy Weston Gibbons...
In these economic times, when we all must watch our budgets and expenses, there is one gift that you can give…it doesn’t cost anything…you were going to do it anyway…it’s having your annual mammogram at The Rose. Yes, it’s true…every “paid” mammogram helps us care for a woman who doesn’t have insurance… or money to cover even our low $85 cash discounted fee.

Having a mammogram with us ensures you’ll receive the personal attention that The Rose is famous for and the highest quality imaging, read by physicians who are dedicated only to breast imaging and breast disease. All this and you are helping other women receive that same level of care – women who have no where else to turn.

And if these economic times have left you without insurance or cash, please do not post-pone your annual mammogram. All the research shows that we have our best chance of finding a cancer in its earliest stage when women return between 12 and 14 months. Even a few more months can make a difference, in some cases a tragic difference and that is something you do not need to chance. You have The Rose to turn to.

We have all faced financial difficulties at one point or another. We know that asking for help is difficult especially if you’ve never had to before. But that is why The Rose exists—to provide access to care for every women regardless of ability to pay.
Any woman who has ever discovered a lump in her breast knows the fear that accompanies it. Noone needs any barriers to stand in the way of having the tests needed for a diagnosis—insured or uninsured.

Some women will qualify for full sponsorship, others take advantage or our payment plan. Whatever it takes, we’ll get you through our services...that’s our promise to you.