Women’s Health

Keeping Delta Women Strong

YKHC Women’s Health Grant

About the Program

  • The YKHC Women’s Health Grant is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program NBCCEDP.
  • YKHC has been participating in the NBCCEDP since October 2003.
  • For qualified women, the program provides free mammograms, Pap tests, clinical breast exams, and airfare for services to the nearest Subregional Clinic or Bethel.
  • To find out if you qualify call toll-free: 1-800-478-3321 x6990.

Cancer Burden

  • Cancer is the leading cause of death for Alaska Native people. Cancer accounts for 1 out of every 5 deaths.
  • During 2004-2007, the Alaska Native cancer death rate was 30% greater than for U.S. Whites.
  • There are roughly 40 cancer deaths per year in our region which is significantly higher than the state and national averages.
  • The most frequently diagnosed cancers for Alaska Native people are colon/rectum, lung/bronchus, and breast cancers. Together, these three types of cancer comprise over half of all new cancer diagnoses. (Note: Breast Cancer almost exclusively affects women and it is still the third highest.)

Breast Cancer

  • Breast Cancer incidence is much lower for YKHC Alaska Natives (7.7%) than ALL Alaska Natives (15.4%).
  • Mammograms are the best breast cancer screening tool. They find cancer up to three years before it can be felt.
  • Regular mammography screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by 20-25%.
  • YKHC recommends a mammogram at least every 2 years for women between the ages of 45 and 69.
  • For more information call 1-800-478-3321 x6296.

Cervical Cancer

  • Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of death among women
  • Cervical cancer death rates fell 74% between 1955 and 1992 thanks to the use of Pap screens
  • Regular screening lowers the risk of developing invasive cervical cancer by detecting pre-cancerous cervical lesions that can be treated.
  • Cervical cancer is a slow growing disease. If it is detected early, the likelihood of survival is almost 100 percent with appropriate treatment and follow-up.
  • YKHC recommends a Pap test at least every 3 years from age 21-64
  • Women develop cervical cancer in the United States at the rate of about 12,000 – 14,000 per year. About 4,000 women die from cervical cancer in the United States every year.
  • For more information call 1-800-478-3321 x6296.

Call and Schedule an Appointment Today!

Toll-free: 1-800-478-3321 x6990

Resources

  • www.PreOp.com
    This site contains 5-6 minute videos that explain procedures in easy-to-understand terms and visuals.
  • CDC – Office of Women’s Health
    “Working to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of women at every stage of life.”