Every two minutes a women is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

However, when detected early, the chances of surviving breast cancer are dramatically increased. The Ascension Seton Breast Care Center located at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin performed 6,151 exams in fiscal year 2018. More than 3,371 of those exams were provided to financially vulnerable patients. This year, thanks to a special gift from Kendra Scott Inc., a limited number of screening mammograms will be provided to those patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the screening.

“Kendra Scott’s investment in our Breast Care Center is an amazing gift to those who forgo their annual mammogram due to cost and insurance status, which is over 55% of our patients,” says Amu Patel, Director of Strategic Operations at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. “This generous gift provides 30 screening mammograms to those who need it most in a welcoming and comfortable place that provides most advanced breast cancer detection and diagnostic services in the region.”

Kendra Scott Inc. has been a champion of the Ascension Seton Breast Care Center since its founding in 2014. Each year, Kendra Scott associates visit the hospital to give away jewelry and cards of support to patients recently diagnosed with cancer. In September, Kendra Scott hosted a pop-up shop for clinical staff and showered them with gifts and other special treats.

“I have always been passionate about supporting breast cancer research and awareness, and the work that the Seton Breast Care Center is doing to educate women on the power of early detection fits so naturally with our company’s values. Breast cancer is an ugly disease that takes the lives of far too many women.  I am honored to work with Seton to spread the message around the importance of self-checks and breast cancer education.” Kendra Scott, CEO, Founder & Philanthropist

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer—the second most common type of cancer for women. Regular mammography and early detection are the best ways to find cancer early. The Ascension Seton Breast Care Center continues to make strategic investments in infrastructure and equipment that significantly increase the number of patients served and significantly decreases wait times. To learn more about the breast care center and our vision for the future, visit supportseton.org/oneheartbeat.