At its October board meeting, the West Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors approved a grant of $4,986 to provide funding for women in Polk County needing financial assistance for mammograms.

At its October board meeting, the West Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors approved a grant of $4,986 to provide funding for women in Polk County needing financial assistance for mammograms.

Currently, many mammograms performed at West Valley Hospital for women in need are provided through a grant from the Swindells Charitable Trust.

Funding from that original grant has run out, so this additional money will help the program continue.

“Mammography can find cancerous tumors up to two years before they can be felt, which means at a very early stage patients can receive treatment and have the best chance for a good outcome,” said Alison Smith, M.D., General Surgeon at West Valley Hospital. “These funds from the Foundation will allow us to continue providing this important screening tool for women in need in our community.”

October is breast cancer awareness month, and the American Cancer Society recommends:

• Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years.
• Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.