Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Local Resources in Miami

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place in October. Read about some of the best local resources for breast cancer in Miami.

Did you know that in 2022, approximately 287,850 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in women in the US? Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the US, besides skin cancers.

Breast cancer awareness month is an important time of the year to raise awareness and research opportunities to change the lives of people who've been affected.

Chances are, you've been affected by breast cancer in some way. Whether you've gone through treatment yourself or have a friend or family member that has, it's important to continue educating yourself on new treatment options for breast cancer.

In this guide, you'll learn about breast cancer awareness month and what resources are available to residents of Miami, FL.

When Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and during this month, people around the world show support for every person that's affected by breast cancer.

It also raises breast cancer awareness by educating women on when they should be getting mammograms and the common warning signs of breast cancer, which include:

Nipple discharge
Warmth or redness of the breast
Change in the breast's size or shape
Nipple discharge
Lump in the breast or underarm area
Puckering or dimpling of the skin

There are also many different fundraising campaigns like walkathons and charity runs, fundraising galas, community events, and more. The National Breast Cancer Foundation also encourages people to start their own fundraising campaigns at work or at school.

The more you learn during this month, the more you can help to educate your friends and family members on screening tests and breast cancer symptoms.

Whether you need information, a screening, or financial assistance, you can turn to local resources in Miami, such as:

Breast Cancer Assistance Program

The American Breast Cancer Foundation offers a Breast Cancer Assistance Program that helps with local screenings and diagnostic tests for all uninsured individuals, regardless of gender, age, or race.

The goal of this program is to help both women and men detect cancer as early as possible.

Applications for the program are available to people on a first-come, first-serve basis. You'll need to go through an approval process which requires proof of income and residency.

If you don't qualify, you'll still get a list of local resources to turn to. You can call 844-219-2223 to start the process.

Susan G. Komen

You can also turn to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer information, financial assistance, and information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen Helpline(1-877-465-6636) will provide you with information about breast cancer and breast health. They offer assistance with a variety of issues, such as:

Emotional support to people with concerns or questions
Information about Komen's Treatment Assistance Program
Information about local organizations that offer screenings and financial assistance
Connect you with resources and information
Help you to learn coping mechanisms
Provide coaching to help you communicate with your doctors
Clinical trial education

The Komen Finacial Assistance Program can help you no matter where you reside in the United States. This program offers assistance with costs associated with having breast cancer. This includes treatments and daily living expenses.

To qualify, you'll need to be currently receiving breast cancer treatment or have metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer. You need to reside in the US and have an income at or below the federal poverty level (FPL).

You can get assistance for expenses like:

Rent and housing costs
Bills and utilities
Medications
Transportation to treatment appointments
Medical equipment like oxygen
Groceries
Home health care

Miami-Dade Department of Health

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (FBCCEDP) makes it much easier for residents of Miami to get breast cancer screenings. You'll get free services via partnerships with doctors, hospitals, and diagnostic services in your area.

This program provides services such as:

Breast screening exams like mammograms and clinical breast exams
Cervical cancer screening exams
Diagnostic funds for women who are screened in the program and test positive for breast cancer
Care coordination for people with abnormal test results
Referrals to the Florida Medicaid Program
Assistance with treatment through Medicaid

You'll need to go to theMiami-Dade Department of health website to find the information for booking an appointment. The eligibility criteria for this program include:

Low income
Uninsured
Between 50 and 64 years old
You live in Miami-Dade or Monroe Counties
You have a picture ID

American Cancer Society in Florida

The American Cancer Society in Florida is another helpful resource you can use to find services in Miami-Dade County.

You can get information 24/7 about breast cancer and local breast cancer resources in Florida. You can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for information on:

Prevention
Local screening
Quitting smoking
Treatment options
Local community programs and support groups
Financial programs

They also offer rides to treatment, lodging if you need to stay away from home during your treatment, and hair loss and mastectomy products.

You can also take advantage of their online community to get support and learn practical treatment tips. There is also a volunteer program that allows you to talk to other women who are breast cancer survivors.

If you'd like to support breast cancer research on your own or in honor of a loved one, you can participate in local American Cancer Society events. Popular events in Miami include the Relay For Life by the University of Miami and Real Men Wear Pink by the Memorial Cancer Institute.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Now that you know more about breast cancer awareness month, you can take the initiative to get screened and learn more about breast cancer.

If you're looking for a primary care doctor or a medical screening facility for your breast health, then you can turn to Choice MD, LLC for all your healthcare needs.

We will help you throughout your journey towards better health by helping you find local doctors, medical diagnostic facilities, or support organizations.

Make sure you reach out and contact us today to get started!