Free mammograms in Fort Worth: Where to get them during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
After breast cancer screenings plunged during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors are still worried that not all patients have caught up on their preventive care.
Dr. Nora Becker, an assistant professor of general medicine at the University of Michigan, published a study in July that looked at a more complete set of data than most other research on how the pandemic affected preventive care. Becker and her colleagues analyzed insurance claims to a commercial health plan in Michigan from 2019 and into early 2021.
The numbers were unambiguous: Breast cancer screenings “dropped almost basically to zero” in June of 2020, Becker said, before rebounding back to baseline levels later in the calendar year.
“But what that meant for the entire calendar year of 2020 was that a lot fewer women ultimately still got screened,” Becker said.
The long-term effect of the pandemic’s disruption on cancer screenings and other preventive care is still unknown, but some researchers have predicted an increase in cancer that is diagnosed at later stages.
For people without health insurance, or whose health insurance requires burdensome co-pays, there are several options in Fort Worth and Tarrant County that provide free screenings for breast, cervical, colon and prostate cancer.
Who should get a mammogram?
Women should get a screening mammogram every year or every two years depending on their age. Recommendations for when regular screening should begin vary. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should begin yearly screenings starting at 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual or biennial screenings at 50. Your doctor can help you decide when you should start screening mammograms based on your family history.
Most screening guidelines are developed for cisgender women. Transgender patients should talk to their doctor to help determine whether and how often they need mammograms.
Who offers free mammograms?
There are two primary programs that offer free cancer screenings for people who don’t have health insurance: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit and the Moncrief Cancer Institute.
Services available at Texas Health Resources mobile health unit include free screening mammograms, well-woman exams, and take-home colon cancer screening kits.
Anyone can sign up for a screening. People who don’t have health insurance can qualify for completely free services. If you do have health insurance, bring your insurance information to your appointment.
Call 1-855-318-7696 for an appointment.
Breast and cervical cancer screenings are available at the Moncrief Cancer Institute.
Anyone without health insurance qualifies for a free screening.
Call 800-405-7739 to schedule an appointment.
Upcoming clinics
Friday, Oct. 14: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 South Freeway
Friday, Oct. 14: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Bob Duncan Community Center 2800 S Center St. Arlington
Saturday, Oct. 15: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Plano International Festival 1509 H Ave. Plano
Saturday, Oct. 15: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Care 2 Fight Health and Wellness 5201 CA Roberson Blvd.
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Emmitt Luxury Apartments, 5613 Coventry Park Dr., Haltom City
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary 108 East Hammond St. Fort Worth
Oct. 22: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Parkside Missionary Baptist Church 3824 E Berry St. Fort Worth
Oct. 25: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Meadowridge Community Church 3400 Charleston Ave. Fort Worth
Oct. 26: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe 4100 Blue Mound Rd. Fort Worth
Wednesday, October 26: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Azle Senior Center, 601 SE Parkway, Azle
Thursday, Oct. 27: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Benbrook Public Library, 1065 Mercedes St., Benbrook
Friday, Oct. 28: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Tarrant County Subcourthouse, 700 E. Abram St., Arlington
Friday, Oct. 28: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Mammogram Poster Girls 2965 S State Hwy 161 Grand Prairie
Saturday, Oct. 29: Texas Health Resources mobile health unit will be at Greater Davis Chapel Church 716 Chandler Road Garland
Saturday, Oct. 29: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Ramp Church of Texas, 5430 Miller Ave., Fort Worth
Monday, Oct. 31: Moncrief Cancer Institute mobile screening clinic will be at Blanton Elementary School, 1900 S. Collins St., Arlington
