Understanding Early Detection Works (EDW) and its impact on Women’s Health
Oct 22
Early Detection Works (EDW) is a crucial program in Kansas that offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women. The program strives to increase early detection rates for these cancers, thereby improving treatment outcomes and saving lives. Since its inception in 1991, The Early Detections Works Program has 16.5 million breast and cervical cancer screenings and is now available in all 50 states
What is Early Detection Works (EDW)?
EDW is a comprehensive program that provides several essential services to eligible women, including:
- Diagnosis: Providing access to diagnostic tests for breast and cervical cancer.
- Health Education: Offering information and resources about these cancers, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
- Referral: Connecting women with appropriate healthcare providers for further evaluation or treatment.
The Importance of EDW in Preventative Healthcare
Early detection is paramount when it comes to cancer treatment. The earlier these cancers are detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and survival. Regular screenings are vital in detecting cancer in its early stages, even before symptoms appear. Participants in the program report a 27% increase in early detection rates compared to non-participants.
Key Services Offered by the EDW Program
The EDW program focuses on providing accessible screening services for breast and cervical cancer:
Breast Cancer Screening and Mammograms
Mammograms are a critical screening tool for breast cancer detection. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer early, significantly increasing treatment success rates.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Pap Tests
Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, are crucial for detecting cervical cancer in its early stages. Early detection through regular Pap tests is essential for successful treatment and can potentially prevent the disease from progressing.
Eligibility and Access to EDW Services
Who Qualifies for EDW? The EDW program has specific eligibility criteria to ensure that women in need can access these vital services. To be eligible, women must:
- Be between 21 and 64 years old for cervical cancer screenings.
- Be between 40 and 64 years old for breast cancer screenings.
- Not having health insurance.
- Have a family income at or below a certain level, which varies depending on household size.
To be eligible for the Early Detection Works (EDW) program, women must have a family income at or below a certain level, which varies depending on household size. The following table from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) outlines the 2024 income maximums to qualify for the EDW program:
| Household Size | Monthly Maximum Income | Annual Maximum Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,138 | $37,650 |
| 2 | $4,259 | $51,100 |
| 3 | $5,380 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $6,500 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $7,621 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $8,742 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $9,863 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $10,984 | $131,800 |
| 9 | $12,105 | $145,250 |
| 10 | $13,225 | $158,700 |
For households with more than 10 people, an additional $1,121 per month, or $13,450 per year, is added for each additional person.
Benefits of Early Detection in Women’s Health
Early detection through programs like EDW offers significant benefits:
Improved Treatment Outcomes
Early diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and can significantly improve survival rates.
Cost-Savings for Patients
Early detection of cancer can lead to less extensive and costly treatment in the long run. The EDW program helps alleviate the financial burden of potentially expensive cancer treatments for eligible women.
The Long-Term Impact of EDW on Public Health
Early Detection Works (EDW) and programs like it are essential for promoting public health by emphasizing early cancer detection and improving overall cancer outcomes for women.
Here’s why:
- Reduced mortality rates: By allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment, EDW actively contributes to the decrease in cancer mortality rates among women in Kansas. This is because early-stage cancer is often more treatable, leading to better outcomes for patients.
- Increased awareness and education: It is crucial to raise awareness about early cancer detection and the availability of programs like EDW. Public education plays a vital role in encouraging women to make their health a priority and seek timely screenings. This can be achieved through community outreach, public service announcements, and healthcare provider recommendations.
- Empowerment through early detection: Early detection is truly the most effective defense against breast and cervical cancer. EDW empowers women in Kansas by granting them access to free screenings and crucial healthcare services. This access to healthcare services is particularly important for women who may face barriers to healthcare, such as those who are uninsured or have low incomes.
HealthCore Clinic: An EDW Provider in Wichita
HealthCore Clinic in Wichita is an EDW provider. This means that women who meet the eligibility criteria can access free breast and cervical cancer screenings at this clinic. In addition to EDW services, HealthCore Clinic also offers a range of women’s health and wellness services, including:
- OB/GYN care
- Family Planning
HealthCore Clinic in Wichita plays a vital role in this critical mission. By offering these services to eligible women in the community, they are actively working to improve health outcomes for women in their area. Find out if you are eligible for the EDW program by calling 1-877-277-1368 today!