Kathey Dailey's Cancer Diagnosis

Kathey Dailey, a self-employed business owner without health insurance, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer after stomach pain led her to the emergency room in 2023.

“And we did X-rays, we did CT scans, we did contrast CT scans.”

Project Pink Coverage

Project Pink, a mobile mammogram program by Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Charlotte Radiology, covered Dailey's mammogram cost despite her lack of insurance.

Dailey's Treatment Experience

Dailey began chemotherapy for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, experiencing severe side effects including emergency room visits and a diagnosis of cancer spread.

Dailey's Message to Women

Dailey urges uninsured women to get mammograms early, stating, 'Get it as soon as you can. Don’t worry about the cost. Worry about finding it.'

“Get it as soon as you can. And I’m saying it as a person that was worried about the cost. Don’t worry about the cost. Worry about finding it.”

Dr. Rhea Rogers' Experience

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, recalls her own stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis being mismanaged as stage 3 due to her busy schedule.

“They said you have stage 0. And I was like, OK, so that’s confined to the breast. I’m busy. I don’t have time. Just take them off.”

Expert Recommendations

Aging experts emphasize free October mammograms for uninsured women, stating, 'You’ve got to take those opportunities and find those opportunities.'

“You’ve got to do the screening. I’ve been self-employed most of my life. ... And there have been times where we’re not insured.”