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Yavapai County proclaims Breast Cancer Awareness Month; health staff warn screenings have dropped
Summary
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. County health officials reported a sharp decline in screening appointments and urged early detection; a survivor credited county-supported services for saving her life.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1 approved a proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and heard staff describe a steep drop in preventive screenings.
Leslie Horton, community health services director, told the board the county’s Well Woman Health Check program provided 483 appointments in the 2024–25 program year, including 243 mammogram screenings, 90 diagnostic screenings, 13 biopsies and two MRIs. "When I became involved the program in 2019 we had over 1,100 women screened; this year we had only 483," Horton said, urging residents to seek screening earlier rather than waiting for symptoms.
Christine Kramer, a patient care coordinator with the Community Health Center of Yavapai in Cottonwood and a 13‑year breast‑cancer survivor, described being uninsured when she was diagnosed. "Through their funding, I was able to get all my treatment taken care of. And I'm a 13 year survivor," Kramer said, encouraging others to use available services.
Horton emphasized the role of the Well Woman Health Check program in rural areas and said staff assist patients with navigation into treatment when cancers are detected. The board briefly discussed outreach and upcoming fundraisers supporting treatment access; Horton noted the program’s event on Oct. 19 and urged supervisors to share information in district newsletters and town halls.
The proclamation passed unanimously.
