You’ve heard it said before: “early detection is key to surviving cancer.” The University of Tennessee Medical Center works all year round to spread the word about breast cancer early detection and mammograms. A grant-funded program created in 1996, the Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP) works to increase breast cancer awareness through community-based education classes, mobile mammogram screenings and support networks. Reaching 2,463 women in 2008, BHOP strives to ensure that every woman in East Tennessee has access to a digital mammography screening and understands the importance of early breast cancer detection and overall breast health.

UT Medical Center Cancer Institute’s Breast Health Outreach Program has been selected as the 2009 Links Fore the Cure beneficiary. Links Fore the Cure, part of the non-profit 501-(c)3 Champions for a Cause, is a Knoxville tradition raising awareness and resources for breast cancer. Links funds help extend BHOP’s outreach further into more rural counties and doubled the amount of uninsured women served in 2008. Seven breast cancers were diagnosed through BHOP in 2008 that may have otherwise gone undetected.

Links Fore the Cure is actually two events scheduled at Gettysvue Polo, Golf & Country Club on Sunday, Oct. 18 and Monday, Oct. 19. The Links Casino Night on Sunday is live and silent auctions along with casino games, music and complimentary food and drinks. Monday's event is an ALL women's scramble golf tournament. If interested in participating, complete registration at www.championsforacause.org.  

What makes BHOP unique?

• BHOP is the only program in the region to offer free education classes to teach the benefits of early detection. Classes include information about breast self-awareness, clinical breast exam and screening mammogram and are offered seven days a week at times convenient for target population. In 2008, BHOP traveled to 20 rural counties educating 688 women at 39 sites.
  
• In 2008, 2,463 screening mammograms were provided to 94 sites.
  
• Free clinical breast exams were provided to 611 women at locations where the need is greatest.
  
• Participants who need further diagnostic exams are provided comprehensive care through the UT Breast Care Service. Nurse navigators in this program provide a central point of contact to assist women through the follow up process at UT Medical Center or in their local community.

In 2009, BHOP upgraded the mobile mammography unit with digital equipment thanks to a Safety-Net Grant from the Avon Foundation. BHOP actively seeks opportunities to improve and grow its program for the people of East Tennessee. 

Visit the Breast Health Outreach Program or Cancer Institute to schedule a mammogram.