While doing some work to assist a nonprofit group in gathering votes in order to receive funding for their project, I became aware of a situation that is called the “digital divide”. In the campaign, votes were counted on the basis of the digital devices from which they were sent. I was shocked and dismayed but then realized that this may also be a major reason why women are not getting diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving the treatment that they need. It is not because they need to be educated in breast cancer awareness but because they don’t have the ability to access the information that they need, not even a cell phone.“There is nothing that should be more important than doing everything possible to reach out to those whose circumstances have prohibited them from access to the programs that are available for screenings and treatment.”
Barbara Jacoby
We take so much for granted when we set up our websites and indicate the information and resources that are available to everyone. We assume that if someone is in need of something, they will find the resources on the Internet. But, the sad fact is that many of those who may most be in need of information and services have no way to access them in order to take advantage of them. I have thought about this for a very long time and believe that it is time to take some action especially in light of the number of women who are being diagnosed when the breast cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
It is a proven fact that the earlier a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, the more likely there will be a successful outcome. Many organizations are currently spending large amounts of money to provide programs for free mammograms, transportation to facilities to be screened and assistance throughout treatments and follow up. However, many that are most in need of these programs are not aware of their existence.
It seems to me that more organizations would make a big difference if they stepped out of their offices and made visits to churches and homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters and schools to meet with women who are in need of screening services and create opportunities for these women to get the help they need. These types of places are those that have access to a large pool of women who may not have access to digital media. If the women can’t travel to centers for services, there are such resources that could be made available to them such as buses that carry the screening equipment that could do mammograms on-site. For those whose results are positive for breast cancer, medical personnel can return to the facilities where the women were originally screened and work with them to provide the additional treatment and care that they will need.
If such programs were adopted, the rates of death from breast cancer might be substantially reduced. Every woman should have access to the same care and treatment as the next, if she is willing to participate in such programs. The resources are available and so many people are willing to contribute not only the funds but also the time and effort and other resources in order to help. There is nothing that should be more important than doing everything possible to reach out to those whose circumstances have prohibited them from access to the programs that are available for screenings and treatment. If we all work toward this goal, we will be helping our communities to save the lives of many women who may be the sole support of their families and who just need to be given a chance.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.