Center believes you can't put a price on prevention
Programs available to help women pay for mammograms
By Angela Randazzo Special to The Acorn

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers GETTING PREPPED- Above, technician Kris Clark of Newbury Park helps patient Margie Martinez of Burbank prepare for a mammogram at the Nancy Reagan Breast Center in Simi Valley on Tuesday. Above left, Dr. James Port checks mammography film for abnormalities.

Regular mammograms are vital for early detection of breast cancer.

And while most women with insurance routinely have the procedure, the expense of the exam can deter women without health insurance from doing the same.

Monica Berlin, administrative director of ambulatory care services at the Nancy Reagan Breast Center in Simi Valley, said there's really no excuse- not even a lack of finances- for women to forego regular mammograms.

"With mammography, it's not something that you can think about having. For women, you have to have it," Berlin said. "Women know it's important, and it can be lifesaving."

The center, located on Sycamore Drive, offers stateoftheart Xray and ultrasound mammography and helps patients find the financial assistance they need.

"We get a lot of phone calls and the woman says, 'I've just turned 40 and I know I'm supposed to have a mammo but I don't have insurance. Can you tell me how much it will cost?'" Berlin said.

Berlin's staff refers such callers to one of three family clinics where they can apply for financial aid under Ventura County programs: Sierra Vista Family Clinic, 4531 Alamo St., Simi Valley; Moorpark Family Care Center, 35 W. Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark; Ventura County Public Health, 660 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.

Judi Kelly is a senior registered nurse with Ventura County Public Health. One of the Ventura County financial aid programs, called "Every Woman Counts," covers the cost of yearly mammograms for women over 40 who qualify.

"It's a simple one-sheet form based on income and how many are in the household," Kelly said.

If cancer treatment is needed, the patient is referred to a long-term state program for financial aid, she said.

Women under 40 may qualify for financial assistance under a family planning program that includes a breast exam. If there's a medical problem, the patient will be directed toward federal programs for assistance.

"Programs exist and we're trying different things to reach the women- a lot of it is word of mouth," Kelly said.

For uninsured women who don't qualify for aid under Every Woman Counts or family planning, the finance office of Simi Valley Hospital offers discount rates on mammography.

"We have a financial consultant who works individually with each woman to find a program that fits her best," Berlin said.

The American Cancer Society shares a similar goal of making women aware of available programs, said Steven Sosapavon, staff assistant at the Moorpark Family Care Center.

"It's an uphill battle to make people aware and spread the word. Getting a mammogram is important, especially for women over 40, and men over 50 should get tested for prostate cancer," Sosapavon said. "We don't want to scare people. We promote an active and healthy lifestyle, like eating healthy and being physically active, to help prevent or reduce your risk of getting cancer."

While medical accuracy is the first priority at the center, Berlin and her staff strive to create a welcoming atmosphere as well.

"We put up lacy curtains and quilts in each room for a homey feel," Berlin said. "Having a mammogram isn't much fun, so we gave the place a warm, womanly touch."

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call the Nancy Reagan Breast Center at (805) 9558150.