Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation is named in honor of Alberta “Albie” Carson who lost her fight against breast cancer in 2002. Albie’s husband, Doug Carson, founded this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004 to honor his wife and offer hope to others.
Today, Albie Aware is supporting people facing breast cancer in the greater Sacramento area. It is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated solely to breast cancer in our community.
Sadly, when it comes to breast cancer, the greater Sacramento area has:
- higher breast cancer incidence rates than the California average
- higher death rates from breast cancer than California and the U.S. rates
- lower mammogram rates than our national average
Early detection offers the best chance for effective treatment. When breast cancer is detected early and in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection screenings are essential to Albie Aware’s programs.
The main programs of Albie Aware are:
1) Breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer awareness is an important part of reducing our community's mortality rate from breast cancer, as some individuals do not know when to start having breast cancer screenings.
Albie Aware recommends a clinical breast exam and screening mammogram annually for individuals 40 years or older. If an individual has a family history, genetic markers, or any symptoms they may need a mammogram more frequently and/or before age 40.
We use multiple points of data to pinpoint neighborhoods in the greater Sacramento area where community members need early detection screenings, such as mammogram services. We engage these communities at higher risk of breast cancer in awareness activities to increase their understanding of breast cancer including early detection screenings, significance of family history, signs of breast cancer, ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, and help in scheduling a breast cancer screening mammogram.
During last year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Albie Aware reached more than 2.5 million people in the greater Sacramento area with breast health information through media appearances, breast health classes, social media, and events.
This year, as part of our 20th Anniversary, we have launched an AWAREness campaign of Sacramento-based peers to inform individuals of their breast cancer risks and encourage them to schedule a breast cancer screening through our support. Our peers are individuals that have been affected by breast cancer and from populations facing health disparities.
2) Patient navigation
Once an individual understands their need for an early detection screening for breast cancer or has a breast health concern, they may not know how to proceed in getting a screening scheduled and thus individuals contact Albie Aware.
We help individuals navigate the confusing healthcare system. We assist the individual in finding a medical provider for their early detection screening, as well as any additional screenings or procedures. An individual may qualify for a free screening mammogram through government programs (i.e. Medi-Cal or Every Woman Counts) or be covered through their insurance. When someone does not qualify for these programs, through the generous community support, Albie Aware will pay for these services.
3) Financial assistance for breast cancer patients
Albie Aware provides financial assistance for medical expenses (screening mammograms, breast cancer treatment costs, etc.) to individuals who do not qualify for payments from government programs or their insurance. These expenses are paid directly to the medical providers at a discounted rate.
4) Advocacy
As the largest breast cancer nonprofit organization in the greater Sacramento area, and as subject matter experts, Albie Aware board members and staff meet with elected officials and health department leaders. Together, we create strategies for breast cancer awareness and early detection screenings in our community. We also discuss current policies, programs, and advances in the medical industry (new treatment, prescriptions, and testing available).
5) Compassionate support
Our staff and volunteers provide hundreds of support services and compassionate support to breast cancer patients and survivors each year. This support includes addressing their breast health concerns, planning for their breast cancer treatment, and matching them with resources based on their needs.
When an individual receives a breast cancer diagnosis or an inconclusive mammogram, they may be left with questions. Albie Aware acts as a patient advocate by supporting them in understanding their condition and connecting them to nurse navigators and others in the medical community. Throughout a breast cancer journey, patients may need to be connected to a variety of resources.
In addition to these services, Albie Aware collaborates with organizations in the community to celebrate and honor breast cancer survivors.