Programs that can help breast cancer patients and others

Low-cost mammograms

Valley Health Systems is having $55 mammogram screenings this month during the weekdays at Centennial Hills, Spring Valley and Summerlin hospitals. A physician's order is required and should be brought to appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 702-369-7710.

Mammograms for uninsured

The Breast Center at Sunrise is offering $75 mammograms for uninsured patients this month. To schedule a screening, call 1-855-445-2246.

Oncology Nutrition Class

Healthy eating after a diagnosis of cancer is covered in this class by Judy Reinhardt, a registered dietician and nutrition support clinician at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. Register by calling 702-233-5454.

Young Survivors Group

This is a free support group for those age 50 and younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is led by breast health nurse navigator Linda Buckley of Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. It takes place the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Registration not required.

Financial assistance

The nonprofit Orion Cancer Foundation of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada provides financial assistance to cancer patients receiving treatment in Southern Nevada. The organization helps pay for essential needs and services such as mortgages, rent payments, utility bills, COBRA premiums, groceries and/or transportation. Eligible applicants may receive assistance with up to a maximum of $1,500 in a 12-month period. Other services include nutritional support, patient library and pet therapy. For more information, call 702-952-3414.

Free transportation

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program provides free transportation to cancer treatment appointments. To request transportation, call 1-888-227-6333.

Free wigs, scarves, information

The American Cancer Society has Cancer Resource Centers throughout the valley, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and Pahrump. The centers provide the latest cancer-related information, as well as gift items such as wigs, hats and scarves. Call 1-800-227-2345 for locations.

Peer support

Breast cancer survivors, trained by the American Cancer Society, provide peer support by answering nonmedical questions and offering advice to men and women diagnosed with breast cancer. Special early support is available for women who face a diagnosis but have not yet begun treatment. To be matched with a volunteer, please call 1-800-227-2345.

Patient navigator

The American Cancer Society has a patient navigator who helps cancer patients get access to various resources and services, with the goal of supporting the physical, psychological, financial and social issues encountered during cancer. For more information, call 702-731-8885.

Support group

Valley Health Systems hosts a Breast Cancer Empowerment Support Group at the Breast Care Center at Summerlin Hospital, 657 N. Town Center Drive, on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion. The goal is to empower and support women facing breast cancer. For more information, or to RSVP, call 702-233-7155.

Free screenings, services

The R.E.D. Rose Program of the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation provides free breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services for those under age 50 who lack health care coverage or the means to obtain it. Financial assistance during treatment also is available to those who qualify. For more information, call 702-492-8557.

Fittings, classes

Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Centers of Excellence, part of the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, provide fittings for post mastectomy prosthetics, as well as free and low-cost classes on health and wellness. For more information call 702-616-4900.

Mammovan

Mammograms for those who have no insurance or are underinsured, as well as those living in rural areas, are provided through Nevada Health Centers Mammovan. For more information, call 877-581-6266.

Look Good, Feel Better

Trained cosmetologists provide free skin care and makeup classes for female cancer patients to help with the cosmetic side effects of cancer and treatments, including skin changes and hair loss. The classes take place at locations around the valley. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 702-891-9009. To receive a free makeup kit to use in class, participants must preregister.

Lodging

Complimentary stays in local hotels are available for cancer patients receiving treatment in Southern Nevada, call 888-227-6333.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi, a graceful form of exercise that can help reduce stress, is offered once a week at the Breast Center at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. There is a $5 fee to attend.