Grant to Help Diagnose & Treat Breast Cancer in Dane County

February 16, 2004
Sharyn Wisniewski, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823
County Executive

An $11,500 grant from the Madison Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will help the Dane County Department of Human Services Division of Public Health provide breast cancer detection and treatment services to women who otherwise might not be able to receive or afford them. “This funding may literally mean the difference between life and death for some women in our community,” said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 40,000 women, including 900 in Wisconsin, die each year nationwide from breast cancer. The grant from the Komen Foundation is used by Dane County Public Health to provide breast screening, diagnostic and treatment services to women who are at least 18 years old, whose incomes are at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and are not eligible for other assistance programs or insured for recommended breast services. Since 2000, Dane County Public Health has assisted more than 35 women and paid more than $19,000 in breast cancer related medical bills through its Treatment Access Fund which is supported by the grant from the Komen Foundation. “We’re all very grateful to the Komen Foundation for this important support in the fight against breast cancer,” said Falk. Dane County Public Health also coordinates the WI Well Woman Program in Dane County which provides referrals for free breast and cervical cancer screening for women ages 35-64. For more information on the Breast Cancer Treatment Access Fund or the Wisconsin Well Woman Program, call 242-6392. ###