Directly aid mammograms

Planned Parenthood does not do mammograms as part of its breast cancer screening. The breast cancer screening is a breast exam and referral for mammograms, just like all other women’s health providers. Women between 40 and 85 years old are referred for mammograms because that age group is at higher risk for breast cancer.

About 80 percent of Planned Parenthood’s clients are under 35 years old. I could not find any information on the number of women 40 years old and over that was seen by Planned Parenthood in 2009-2010. Planned Parenthood did breast exams for approximately 25 percent of all people seen in 2009-’10. (Planned Parenthood Federation of America Annual Report 2009-’10).

Why did Planned Parenthood accept $1.25 million in grant funding for doing the same breast exam during a physical that everyone else does? How many women did Planned Parenthood refer for mammograms in 2009-’10? Did Planned Parenthood use the grant money to reimburse the facility for the women’s mammograms?

I agree that Susan G. Komen for the Cure needs to honor their current grants, but hope they choose to use their future dollars to fund more nonprofit agencies, such as Access Spokane, and facilities that directly offer mammograms.

Ruth Isaac

Cheney