The Chargers and Susan G. Komen provided women in need with free mammograms at Qualcomm Stadium Thursday for breast cancer awareness month.
"We are grateful to the San Diego Chargers for continuing to drive awareness on the importance of getting mammograms," said Laura Farmer Sherman, president and CEO, Susan G. Komen San Diego. "Early detection is the key to saving lives in San Diego County, where six women are diagnosed with breast cancer and one woman dies every day."
The first NFL team in the nation to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2013, the Chargers have since inspired other teams to follow in their footsteps.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer.” Wendy Shurelds told NBC7. “I got laid off without any insurance so I really turned to Susan G. Komen and they referred me to one of their events. And that’s where I had my screening mammogram and from that I was told I had breast cancer…I’m here today because of that free mammogram.”
According to experts, women without health insurance have a 30% to 50% increased risk of dying from breast cancer.
There is good news though. Experts say if caught early enough the most common type of breast cancer is 99% survivable.
"The Chargers are proud once again to partner with Susan G. Komen San Diego to provide free, life-saving mammograms to women in our community," said Chargers president - business operations, A.G. Spanos. "This event holds a special significance to me as my mother is a breast cancer survivor."
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Susan G. Komen is the country's largest provider of free breast health and free cancer services and resources. Their website has other ways to get a free exam.
Susan G. Komen encourages uninsured women to make sure they get a breast exam. Women of average risk should get a mammogram once a year starting at age 40, but it's never too early for an exam.
