WCHC now participates in the Hudson Valley Region Cancer Screening Program (HVRCSP), which focuses on early detection and timely cancer intervention. Through this program, we provide critical breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and referrals for treatment to licensed healthcare providers for qualified patients. These services ensure that every resident within Westchester County has the support they need in the fight against cancer, highlighting our commitment to increasing patient survival and quality of life.
WCHC recognizes that low-income individuals and minority groups, particularly women, are often diagnosed with cancer at more advanced stages due to lower screening rates. People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds also have higher rates of cervical and colorectal cancer deaths due to late detection. According to the most recent data from the American Cancer Society (2021), only 42% of individuals without health insurance received a screening mammogram within the recommended period of the past two years. Additionally, over 48,000 individuals in Westchester County were uninsured during the same period. For many in this population, the lack of access to regular screenings means that cancers could go undetected until they reach more advanced, harder-to-treat stages, negatively affecting this population’s quality of life and survival rates. The data also showed that while the breast cancer incidence rate is less common in Black women than White women, the mortality rate is higher for Black women.
In addition to our existing services, WCHC is extending its cancer detection efforts through the HIM (Health Initiative for Men) Program, which focuses on prostate cancer awareness and screening. Prostate cancer, if caught early, is highly treatable. Our program aims to educate and screen men in our community, ensuring they have access to preventive care and early treatment options.
In 2023, our Family Practice, Gynecology, and Internal Medicine Departments collectively saw 44,788 visits. We’re integrating holistic strategies for cancer prevention, focusing on lifestyle changes. Our in-house referral system allows providers to easily connect patients with our specialists. This simple coordinated system ensures patients receive personalized care, helping patients lower cancer risk. Our preventive measures extend beyond screenings to include evidence-based smoking cessation programs and behavioral interventions to reduce lung cancer rates. These initiatives reflect our holistic approach to healthcare, where we tackle risk factors head-on to prevent them from evolving into more severe conditions.