Susan G Komen provides grants for local agencies to educate women on breast cancer

BALTIMORE - One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States.  The Baltimore Medical System office located at Saint Agnes Hospital is trying to tackle the disease.

"I'm not sure that people are aware that resources are available. I am not sure if they are afraid to see a doctor or not educated," said Sharon Douglass with Baltimore Medical System.

Some women admit breast health is not at the top of their list of concerns.

"I am doing pretty good with my checkups and screenings. Workers with Baltimore Medical System will make sure you don't forget to make an appointment for your mammogram and that is important," said Elaine Wilson, a patient.

Baltimore Medical System reaches over 1,900 uninsured and underinsured women each year.  This year's theme is "Sharing The Beauty."

The program assists women with clinical breast exams, mammograms and diagnostic treatment.  Health officials say African American women have the highest death rate from breast cancer of any racial group in the country.

"The African American woman has a million things going on and everyone else is more important than she is and that's the problem," said Carol Hilton, an Outreach Worker with the Baltimore Medical System.

Sharing the Beauty prides itself on educating African American women on Breast Health. Outreach workers visit churches, nail salons and beauty salons to get the word out and educate women.

The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G Komen For the Cure is trying to end breast cancer.  They gave the agency a two year grant for $200,000 to help educate women.

"Before you can save anyone else, you have to save yourself and that is the message we are trying to send out," said Hilton.

Outreach workers hope its a message that can ultimately save lives.