About Operation Bloom
Operation Bloom empowers women to take control of their wellbeing, beat the statistics, and maintain healthy lives through free breast exams and women's health education. Mississippi has a relatively low rate of breast cancer diagnosis, but an alarmingly high rate of death from breast cancer, particularly among minority women. Not surprisingly, income, education, and inadequate health insurance are all common factors. A breast cancer diagnosis in Mississippi frequently reveals a more advanced stage of the disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment often begins too late.
Staggering Statistics
1 in 8 American women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, and it is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women.
Minorities are particularly vulnerable. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of death from cancer in most other ethnicities. Minority women are most likely to have advanced breast cancer when the cancer is first discovered.
In 2008, about one of five adult women between the ages of 50 and 74 never had a mammogram or were not up-to-date with getting screened.
Lack of insurance contributes to lack of screening. Only 56% of uninsured women had a mammogram in the past 2 years, while 84% of women with health insurance had a mammogram.
Education is key. Women who have less than a high school education are much less likely to receive proper screening.
Dr. Scott Runnels and Operation Bloom
Dr. Scott Runnels is the founder of the Runnels Center Outpatient Surgery and Clinics. Throughout his career, Dr. Runnels has devoted his energy and resources to the fight against breast cancer. In his practice as a leading plastic surgeon, he places a high priority on helping women recovering from breast cancer to return to normal lives.
Operation Bloom, the primary project of the Runnels Foundation, helps underserved Mississippi women prevent, identify and treat breast cancer.
Next Free Screening:
Sat, October 29th, 2011
YMCA 5k - Flowood
Sat, November 5th, 2011
Hoops for Hope - Taylorsville
Wed, February 15th, 2012
YMCA Health Fair - Greenville