Services
Mercy Center for Breast Health
1000 4th Street S.W.
641.422.6008 or 1.-800.433.3883, ext. 6008
The Mercy Center for Breast Health exists to provide breast health information, education and access to anyone with breast health questions or concerns. A nurse case manager, specializing in breast health, provides the center’s services at no charge.
Breast
health involves more than just breast cancer. It includes symptoms
and concerns such as breast tenderness, discharge, fibrocystic
problems, lumps, or any other concerns involving both the adult
and adolescent male or female breast. The case manager at the
breast center matches the needs of the client with services,
to provide continuity of care and optimal health outcomes.
Some of the key services provided follow:
- Serves as a community resource for breast health information and services. Presents programs to community organizations on breast health issues.
- Works with physicians in coordinating care and offering personal assistance and support to anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Finds physician services for those in need of medical care.
- Provides clinical breast exams and referrals for mammograms.
- Teaches Breast Self-Examination (BSE).
- Coordinates referrals to the Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
It is the goal of the Mercy Center for Breast Health to allay anxieties an individual experiences when breast health concerns develop. The breast center’s three-fold emphasis on education, advocacy, and counseling centers around the holistic needs of it’s clients. The center’s presence ensures an element of caring in the coordination of quality health care services.
Related Services:
Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (IBCCEDP)
Support Services
Breast Care Web Sites
Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (IBCCEDP)
The national BCCEDP was legislated by the United States Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Act of 1990. It is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Iowa, it is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Public Health. The main purpose of this program is to provide eligible Iowa women with early breast and cervical cancer detection. The Women’s Services department at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa is responsible for the administration of the program in north central Iowa.
Why Are Screening Services So Important?
- All women are at risk for breast and cervical cancers.
- As women age, they are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Women past menopause often are not tested for cervical cancer.
- Mammogram and Pap tests help find these cancers early.
Program Guidelines For Participants
- No cost services are available to Iowa women age 40 and older who:
- Have a household income at or below 200% of the current federal income guidelines, and
- Are uninsured, or
- Are under-insured, and unable to pay insurance or Medicare co-payment
In Iowa, currently there are 45 agencies coordinating services for eligible women, and over 180 medical facilities with over 1000 physicians and health care worker providing medical services.
For more information on how the IBCCEDP might help you, please write:
Wendy Rose, IBCCEDP Coordinator,
Mercy Women’s Services,
1010 4th St. S.W. Suite 230,
Mason City, Iowa 50401
or call Wendy at: 1.641.422.7023
or Pattie Held at: 1.641.422.6015
or call 1.800.433.3883 Ext. 7023 or Ext. 6015.