First Lady Melanie A. Blunt
May 16, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

Gov. Blunt, First Lady Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Benefits of Show Me Healthy Women Initiative

Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program Expanded to Serve More Missouri Women

JEFFERSON CITY - In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt are touting the benefits of the Show Me Healthy Women program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to qualified women. As a result of the governor's leadership, the Show Me Healthy Women program will be able to serve an additional 1,225 women this year.

"This year I was pleased to sign a state budget that provided an additional half a million dollars in increased funding to support free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women," Gov. Blunt said. "Early detection is critical in the battle against breast cancer."

"Simple steps like self exams and regular screenings truly have the power to save lives, and I encourage all women to take time to safeguard their health," said Mrs. Blunt, who serves as honorary chair and spokeswoman for Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Mid Missouri Affiliate.

Gov. Blunt called for and secured an additional $500,000 this year to expand Show Me Healthy Women. With the $500,000 increase, the budget the governor signed this year included $2,813,778 for the program. Last year, nearly 8,000 women received screenings through the program, but state health department officials are hoping many more women will take advantage of the service.

"The early detection of breast and cervical cancers definitely saves lives," said Jane Drummond, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. "The Show Me Healthy Women program has helped thousands of women in Missouri take care of their health and get the screenings they need."

"The Show Me Healthy Women program believes that early detection saves lives," said Jim Pruitt, program manager. "If breast and cervical cancers are detected early, when they are most treatable, survival rates are 95 percent and 100 percent, respectively. We urge all women to get regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer. These important screenings can help many women live the longest, healthiest life possible."

The breast and cervical cancer screenings are available to qualifying women at local public health agencies, health care facilities or hospitals. To qualify for the program, women must:

  • Have a household income of not more than $20,420 for a single woman, increasing by $6,960 for each additional family member.
  • Be 35 to 64 years of age or older, and not receiving Medicare Part B, to be eligible for a Pap test, pelvic exam, clinical breast examination by a health care provider and self-breast examination instruction.
  • Be age 50 to 64 to be eligible for a mammogram.

    • Eligible women participating in the program receive diagnostic services for abnormal breast or cervical exams or tests.

    Women can find out if they qualify for the Show Me Healthy Women program by calling the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) and select option 1, or visit the Show Me Healthy Women web site at www.dhss.mo.gov/BreastCervCancer.

    In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the fountain at the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City is featuring pink lights throughout the month and the governor and first lady participated in a ceremony illuminating the Gateway Arch pink for one night. Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt also hosted a reception honoring organizations and individuals making a mark in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer.

    Promoting breast cancer awareness is an important aspect of the first lady's women's wellness initiative. She serves as spokesperson and honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Missouri Affiliate and is committed to encouraging Missouri women to take time for breast cancer screenings and to promoting breast cancer research and awareness.

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