DeKalb Medical Cancer Center selected for Susan G. Komen grant

DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center has been selected as a recipient of the Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta grant awards. DeKalb Medical will receive $56,000 of the more than $1 million grant to fund breast cancer diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women with a focus on underserved populations, including the immigrant and refugee community in Clarkston. 

Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta provides breast health and breast cancer services for underserved and uninsured men and women. DeKalb Medical will use the grant dollars to provide diagnostic imaging, biopsies and physician services to women who otherwise could not afford the cost of finding out if the lump or lesion found on screening mammogram or by clinical or self-exam is cancerous. 

 “We are so grateful to be one of Komen Atlanta’s grant recipients,” said Dr. Qammar Rashid, director of DeKalb Medical’s Comprehensive Breast Care program and surgeon with DeKalb Medical Physicians Group Surgical Associates. “With these funds, we will be able to provide earlier intervention closer to home for more women. Diagnosing breast cancer is an expensive process, and women often put off getting follow-up mammograms or biopsies because they simply can’t afford them.” Dr. Rashid added, “By providing this financial support, we hope to diagnose women earlier in the disease process, while their breast cancers are still curable.” 

“A key part of Komen Atlanta’s work is to meet the most critical needs of our community,” added Cati Diamond Stone, Komen Atlanta Executive Director. “Our community grants are awarded to local health care partners who provide high quality care and address barriers to care, like financial burdens, transportation and childcare.  We are thankful for our local partners and their commitment to working with us to lower breast cancer mortality in metro Atlanta.”