From left, Beth Spivey, registered nurse for the Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic, and breast cancer survivor Paulette White discuss monthly breast self-exams. "Ms. White's breast cancer was detected early," said Spivey. "The chance of a woman having breast cancer during her lifetime is one in eight and early detection is key in the treatment of it."

"I never thought it could happen to me," said 63-year-old Dalton resident Paulette White after being diagnosed with breast cancer last fall.

But it did happen. And now, White is a breast cancer survivor because she maintained regular check-ups.

White was faithful to getting yearly health screenings, including mammograms, despite her lack of health insurance. It was there during her physical last October that the abnormality was detected.

"The MAC nurse felt a very small knot," said White, "So small, it's no wonder I didn't notice it myself when doing my monthly self breast exams."

MAC staff assisted White in getting a mammogram and diagnostic evaluation through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).

When it was confirmed she had cancer and needed surgery, the staff helped her apply for assistance through the Women's Health Medicaid Program.

"I was reeling from the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer and wondering 'What do I do next?'" White recalled. "But the health department staff was there for me, connecting me to resources I needed."

Now, she feels like her old self again.

"I never thought I would get cancer," said White, "But, because I didn't let circumstances keep me from getting yearly check-ups and from seeking help when breast cancer was detected, I'm here to enjoy life with my grandchildren."

Visit the following websites for more information on health services:
 
*Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic (MAC) - http://nghd.org/Whitfield-County-Health-   Department/macservices.html

**Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bccp/index.asp

***Women's Health Medicaid Program -  http://health.state.ga.us/programs/womensmedicaid/index.asp

-Story by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer,
North Georgia Health District 1-2