Rosa Agosto and Maggie Donohue, community health workers are part of the community outreach and engagement program at the Carole & Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health  making a difference in the lives of Connecticut residents.

In their roles Agosto and Donohue attend events in the community and other UConn Health offices to provide educational information about prevention and screening of breast cancer.  They help those who are uninsured or underinsured find the resources to schedule important mammogram screenings and follow up appointments.

At one such event, the YWCA literacy group, in New Britain, Agosto had the opportunity to present about breast cancer prevention and screenings and the services that UConn Health can provide to the uninsured and underinsured.  Following the presentation Agosto was approached by Vanessa Neira, a New Britain resident who indicated “that’s me you are talking about.”

Neira is from a large family from Peru with a history of cancer.  One of her five sisters was diagnosed at 35 years old and was able to receive treatment, her other sister currently in Peru has a lump in her breast but does not have insurance.  “I am concerned about her due to our family history, including our father who survived prostate cancer that was diagnosed early,” says Neira.

Her sister diagnosed at 35 had her left breast removed and chemotherapy, Neira was concerned for herself and wanted to have a mammogram, but did not have insurance at the time.

“I am very grateful to Rosa Agosto who helped connect me with the UConn Health free mammogram program,” says Neira.

Women who are either uninsured or underinsured can receive free and potentially life-saving mammograms from funding donated to UConn Health from the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation.  The Foundation has been donating funds since 2015 to UConn Health’s breast cancer program focusing on early detection through annual screenings.

“Our comprehensive breast team educates women at various community outreach events throughout the year on 3D mammography and early detection,’’ says Kim Hamilton, program coordinator, community outreach and engagement at UConn Health. “To tell a woman with no insurance we can offer her a free mammogram can be life changing.’’

Neira’s mammogram found a concerning spot that required further testing including an ultrasound and a biopsy to rule out cancer.  In her case, she did not have breast cancer but was able to have a baseline mammogram that her doctor has now advised her to have repeated annually.

“I am grateful to the UConn Health team for their support throughout the process as I required more than a screening mammogram and as you can imagine, due to family history of breast cancer with my sister, I wanted to relieve my fears and doubts,” says Neira.

“We know that early detection helps saves lives,” says Agosto. “Lack of insurance should not be a barrier to mammograms and here at UConn Health we are proud to be able to provide assistance to those who need mammograms, so they have access to early diagnosis, interventions and treatment.”

Breast Cancer Awareness month is a good time to remember to schedule your appointment for a mammogram at UConn Health by calling 860-679-2784.  3D Mammograms are provided at the  Beekley Imaging Center at UConn Health offering the latest technologies, including all-digital mammography and a computer-aided detection system, which uses new technology to search for patterns that are typically recognized as indicators for cancer.

UConn Health offers a financial assistance program to patients without insurance for medically necessary services. Patients can contact Rosa Agosto at 860-679-1694 for assistance with scheduling their mammogram.