October 1st marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. FOX 46’s Good Day Charlotte brought on Dr. Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, from Oncology Specialists of Charlotte to kick things off. Anchor Brigida Mack and Dr. Favaro discussed how the pandemic is affecting breast cancer screenings. “At the beginning of the pandemic patients weren’t coming in for their screening mammograms. They weren’t coming into the doctor for many things and that’s extremely dangerous. Thankfully now more people are coming in for their screening mammograms and fortunately their lives can be saved by getting those mammograms,” said Dr. Favaro.
The tough part, says Dr. Favaro, is that patients receiving active treatment for breast cancer have been struggling during the pandemic. Many have lost their health insurance or experienced a reduction in income, facing the unimaginable burden of paying for their bills and groceries or for life-saving treatment.
In an effort to alleviate the some of the burden and support these patients, Komen Charlotte has partnered with The Go Jen Go Foundation to create Navigation and Resource Services. The Navigation and Resource Services Fund covers “critical navigation services that will assist with emergency needs of breast cancer patients right now, including basic living expenses like rent, utilities, groceries and transportation.” If you or someone you know if in need of these services, or if you’d like to donate, please visit the website at https://komencharlotte.org/impact/navigation-and-resource-services/.
