MILLSBORO, Del. - Dinora Calderón, a pancreatic cancer survivor, faced years without medical care after becoming cancer-free due to the high costs associated with hospital visits.
"For the same fear that every time I went to the hospital, the bills were $7,000, $10,000. I did payment agreements, and I have paid them, but it is difficult because that is every year that you have to do it," Calderón said.
During a consultation with Family Nurse Practitioner Ana Vargas, Calderón discovered the Screening for Life program. This initiative offers financial assistance for cancer screening tests to eligible Delaware adults.
"She submitted the application, and she was approved. She was approved to have her screenings, and after more than five years without having the Pap smears, without having a mammogram, she was able to see us and have the annual exam visit," Vargas said.
Calderón became the first recipient of Screening for Life assistance at I&O Healthcare.
"For me, that is a gift, to be treated and see that there are services in the community about medical examination once a year where we can detect all those severe illnesses," Calderón said.
Vargas emphasizes the importance of proactive health measures.
"Schedule your annual exam. Don't wait for the body to give you signs that something is wrong. Just prevention is key, and go on, schedule your physical exam, your annual wellness exam," Vargas said.
To determine your eligibility for Screening for Life, visit the program's website. If you qualify, you can enroll by calling 302-744-1040.