October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this fall the University of Houston Human Resources department will once again partner with The Rose to deliver on-site mammograms to those women who have yet to get their annual screening.  Mobile Mammography screenings will occur on campus Monday, Oct. 5; Tuesday, Oct. 6; and Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., in The Rose’s state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit which will be located in Lot 19F between the Power Plant and Technology Annex (near the M.D. Anderson Library).

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there will be 276,480 new cases of breast cancer in the United States this year alone and an estimated 42,170 deaths.  Unfortunately, many cases go undetected.  For this reason it is so important for women to receive timely mammography screenings. Yearly screening can lead to early detection, improved treatment options, AND most importantly, survival.

Many women report that one of the main reasons for missing their annual exam is time away from work. To eliminate this barrier, the Human Resources POWER UP Employee Wellness program is bringing mammography screenings to the work place. To take advantage of this opportunity, please go online to REGISTER (Code: UH) for a time that works for you today as limited spots are available.   If you have difficulty registering, please call 281-464-5136 for help in making your appointment in English or Spanish, or email Ada Garcia, Mobile Client Liaison, at adagarcia@the-rose.org. (Please note that the deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept. 25 by 5:00 PM.)

Both 3D and 2D mammography exams will be offered and each generally takes about 20 minutes. Considered preventive care, mammography screenings are covered by most insurance carriers. Employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas HealthSelect are eligible to participate in this mobile mammograms offering with no co-pay and no additional out-of-pocket expense.  Those with other insurance are encouraged to call or visit The Rose online to find out if they are eligible to participate at no-cost.  If you have questions about coverage, the no-insurance sponsorship program, or any other aspects of the exam, the friendly staff at The Rose can assist you.

Patient requirements for mobile mammogram screenings include:

•  Must be 35 or older
•  Must have a primary care physician
•  Must not be pregnant or currently breast feeding
•  Must not have any breast symptoms or problems
•  Must not have been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 5 years
•  Must not have had a mammogram in the last 12 months
• Patients will have their temperature checked and are required to wear masks the entire time

Human Resources encourages you to REGISTER online early (Code UH) to take advantage of this on-campus screening opportunity, or to schedule your yearly exam with your personal healthcare provider today. Take time to take care of you. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to make your health a priority.

Sincerely,