There are a number of obstacles to getting women to schedule annual screening mammograms. Dr. Hanan Gewefel, a radiologist and the Director of Breast Imaging at the Woman and Fetal Imaging Clinic (WAFI) in Cairo, says the primary obstacle is fear—of both the procedure and of possibly learning you may have cancer. The next obstacle is the stigma associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. And, the cost of a mammogram discourages many Egyptian women from getting screened more than once.
To address these obstacles, Dr. Gewefel founded Pink for a Day, a program that provides free mammograms once a week to disadvantaged women aged 40 and older. In addition, she makes these events more than just a medical appointment by offering “coffee mornings” to encourage groups of women to come together in support of one another.
During 2008, WAFI provided 839 free mammograms, with 33 women receiving a “suspicious” diagnosis, and 9 women diagnosed with cancer. By de-mystifying the screening process through weekly events and separate educational seminars, Dr. Gewefel hopes to increase the number of women who make mammograms a regular part of their health care.
Pink for a Day is funded by a number of local sponsors including health organizations, banks, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetics companies. Dr. Gewefel promotes the program through advertisements in women’s magazines, but finds that word of mouth works best. To help ensure that women keep their appointments, she sends out appointment reminders via text messages and email.
Dr. Gewefel believes that free mammograms represent a first step towards a brighter future without breast cancer. Although sponsor support has recently decreased due to the worldwide economic situation, she hopes to continue serving these women for a long time to come.
For more information about the Pink for a Day program, visit the WAFI’s website (www.wafi-clinic.com) or contact Dr. Hanan Gewefel at drhanan@drhananclinic.com.
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