Grant supports women s health initiative.
The WHN provides eligible Boston-area women with free breast and cervical cancer screening. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in American women and the leading cause of death in women between 40 and 55. According to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, the typical woman who doesn t comply with these guidelines is poor and lacks regular health services. Other barriers are cultural beliefs that contradict the notion of breast cancer prevention as well as language and other logistical difficulties. These all contribute to low screening rates among poor women and those who lack health care services.