Group Targets Camden's Hispanic Women For Breast Cancer Screening, Awareness
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - The breast cancer organization "Komen for the Cure" has launched its first-ever initiative for breast health and cancer awareness aimed at Hispanic women in Camden County.
The project was announced this morning at Camden City Hall.
ON-SCENE AUDIO: Hear the announcement in this CBS Philly podcast...
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The Camden County Screening Project will provide 400 free mammograms, plus breast health education to thousands of uninsured and underinsured Latina women.
Jennifer Cron, interim manager of the project for Komen Philadelphia, says two findings in a recent community survey sparked the project.
"One, that there was a higher-than-average population of uninsured individuals in Camden County," she said. "And two, there was a lower-than-average screening rate."
Carmen Martinez is with "Sister Will You Help Me," a breast cancer survivors' group. She says the project is vital, especially for a certain segment of the Latina population that won't seek help.
"They're really afraid because of their immigration, and we're losing them. We target them because immigration has nothing to do with this," Martinez told KYW Newsradio.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060
