Residents across Southeast Florida may soon find it easier to access cancer screening and early detection services, thanks to an exclusive partnership between the American Cancer Society and Baptist Health, according to a recent announcement.
The collaboration aims to break down barriers to cancer screening, raise awareness about prevention, and connect more people with recommended tests. It builds on the “I Love You Get Screened™” campaign, which provides education, tools, and opportunities to engage with ACS programs and learn about cancer screening, patient resources, and local care options.
Florida lags national averages in cancer screening
Data from the American Cancer Society show that Florida falls behind the national average in some key cancer screening rates. Only 73% of Florida women
aged 25 to 65 are up to date with cervical cancer screening, compared to 75% nationally. Colorectal cancer screening rates are also lower, with 66% of eligible Floridians aged 45 and up being current with screening compared to 69% nationwide.
These gaps highlight the importance of ACS’s work to increase awareness and education, connect people to convenient screening services, and reduce disparities in access to preventive care.
Baptist Health expands preventive care efforts
Baptist Health, the largest health system in South Florida, continues to expand efforts to improve preventive care and increase cancer screening rates across the region, according to the announcement. This includes the establishment of the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Center for Cancer Prevention at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. Additionally, earlier this year, Baptist Health eliminated the requirement for a physician referral for screening mammograms, making it easier for eligible women to access this important preventive service.
Why early detection matters
“Prevention and early detection are among the most effective tools we have to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives,” said Nancy Batista-Rodriguez, chief executive officer, Baptist Outpatient Services, Baptist Health. “That’s why Baptist Health is committed to making preventive care easier to access and empowering people to take charge of their health. Earlier detection can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes, helping build healthier communities across South Florida.”
American Cancer Society focuses on equity
Programs like the “I Love You Get Screened” campaign and local partnerships reflect the American Cancer Society’s commitment to reduce cancer disparities, promote early detection, and improve cancer outcomes for all, according to the announcement. By combining national campaigns with local outreach, ACS is working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
To learn more about ACS screening tools, visit www.cancer.org/getscreened. To find a Baptist Health diagnostic imaging location near you, visit BaptistHealth.net/Imaging.
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, ACS has been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 30,000 employees, 4,500 physicians, and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities, and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
This story was created by web producer Michele Kelley (mkelley@pbpost.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Cancer Society, Baptist Health partner to boost screening
