October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Governor Whitmer announced a three-year, $2.5 million partnership between the United Health Foundation and the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) to develop a pilot program for genetic testing and screening for breast cancer. The program will be delivered through five community health centers in Michigan, with the nearest one to St. Clair County located in Detroit.
Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a press release that women have been delaying many routine visits to health care professionals and screening appointments for breast cancer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, it’s important to remember that while we must take precautions to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also crucial we seek important medical care and regular screenings that can detect cancer before symptoms appear,” said Dr. Khaldun.
Hospitals and testing centers were prohibited from scheduling and performing mammograms for several months this year because they were deemed “nonessential” medical procedures in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
