Northeast Georgia Cancer Coalition

Who Are We?

• We are people in your communities concerned with the well well-being of women at risk for breast and cervical cancer.

• We are a group of healthcare organizations, community agencies and concerned individuals who have come together for a state funded project known as the Rural Education and Screening Grant.

Where Are We?

• Our targeted counties include Banks, Dawson, Franklin, Hart, Rabun, Stephens and White.

Why Are We Here?

• Cancer detected at earlier stages has a much greater chance for cure.  Education and screenings are our best tools to find cancer early.

• Georgia statistics indicate a high incidence of breast and cervical cancer among several of the target counties.

• Women with low incomes do not routinely seek breast and cervical cancer screening services.  They are at increased risk of having cancer detected later when it is more difficult to treat.

• Several of the target counties have a large number of low income women who have not been screened for breast and cervical cancer.

What Are We Doing?

• With the help of our community partners, we are offering FREE mammograms and pap tests to women who qualify.

• Developing web-site access to a database of available programs and services related to breast and cervical cancer detection, treatment and patient support.

• Identifying barriers or factors that prevent easy access to screening and treatment.

• Developing community and healthcare organization partnerships to ensure success.

• Creating greater awareness and educating the public on the importance of screening and follow-up.

• Employing the use of mobile mammography to reach women in outlying areas.

• Creating new transportation options (if needed) for women struggling to reach cancer screening facilities.

• Increasing screening rates in our seven targeted counties.

• Providing women with positive screenings with a link to a person, a “navigator” who will help them reach the services they need for appropriate diagnosis and care.

Who Do We Serve?

• One of the primary goals of the Northeast Georgia Cancer Care Coalition is to provide breast and cervical cancer education and information regarding screening services to all women.  

• Another goal includes providing FREE mammograms and pap tests to women who meet the following criteria:

• Women aged 40 -64
• Women who have not had a mammogram and/or pap test in the past one year or more
• Women who have no or poor health insurance
• Women who have not been seen by a doctor due to concerns about money.
• Women who live in Banks, Dawson, Franklin, Hart, Rabun, Stephens or White counties
  

For more information, please call 770-533-8831, Fax 770-538-7186  or E-mail: deanna.barrick@nghs.com