According to the American Cancer Society, in 2015, 50% of women ages 40 years and older reported having a mammogram within the past year, and 64% reported having one within the past two years. Mammography use in the past two years was lowest among the uninsured (31%). Among women ages 21-65 years, 83% were up-to-date with cervical cancer screening in 2015; uptake was lowest among the uninsured (64%) and recent immigrants (70%). In 2015, 63% of adults ages 50 years and older were up-to date for colorectal cancer screening. Prevalence was less than or equal to 50% among Hispanics, Asians, people with less than a high school diploma, recent immigrants, and the uninsured. In 2015, only 4% of eligible former and current smokers reported having a low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer in the past year.

Over the past six years the Henderson County FCS agent along with many community partners offered the derby tea to focus on health-related issues. This event took place the week before the Kentucky Derby. The event also included a fashion show featuring local merchant’s accessories on models from the community to add a touch of glitz to the program and gave a sense of self-esteem to participants.

 

This year’s event focused on Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute designated center, is pleased to offer a comprehensive cancer screening, education, and prevention program.

The goal of the program was to educate on what screenings could be done from home and information on what Markey Cancer Center has to offer.

An evaluation was competed by participants.  100 individuals completed the evaluation. 94%of them currently undergo some type of screening. 90%were inspired to change their overall health.   86% stated that they would get a preventive exam because of the information learned at the program.  78% rated the overall program as very good and 22% rated it as good.