Almost 63% of uninsured Texas adults report they have no personal doctor (the fourth highest rate in the nation). Approximately 45% cannot afford to see a doctor when needed (the seventh highest rate in the U.S.).*
The Texas Cancer Council reports "the most important thing that individuals can do to reduce their chance of dying from cancer is to be screened."
However, people who are medically underserved, that is, those with low incomes and no health insurance or less than full and affordable health care coverage, are less likely to have regular access to a health care provider and more likely to lack the necessary resources to obtain annual cancer screening. As a result, they bear an unequal burden of cancer, and this disparity often translates into later diagnosis and, in some cases, lower chances of survival.
Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, with approximately 25% of its residents lacking medical insurance. Locally, almost twenty-five (25%) percent of Jefferson County adults and approximately twenty-two (22%) percent of Orange and Hardin County adults are uninsured, with scores of other Southeast Texans underinsured (having low incomes and insurance coverage requiring co-pay amounts or deductibles that would make cancer screening cost-prohibitive).
Through the provision of free cancer screenings, the "Gift of Life" makes available potentially lifesaving tests and exams that medically underserved clients would otherwise be unable to afford, equalizing access to early detection tools.
- To find out of you qualify for free mammograms, please call (409)860-3369 or (877)720-GIFT(4438)
- To find out more about free prostate cancer screenings call 409.833.3663
- More about follow-up medical care
*Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
End of Year Campaign
The “Gift of Life” provides free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings for medically underserved women and men and offers extensive educational outreach throughout seven Southeast Texas counties.
In 2011, the “Gift of Life” diagnosed 13 women with breast cancer and 2 men with prostate cancer, all of whom have been navigated into treatment.
This Holiday Season, we extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters who have helped the “Gift of Life” save lives for 17 years. Ring in the New Year with a call to the “Gift of Life” and find out how you can make a difference!
Call 409.833.3663
