August 20, 2025 (Nashville, TN) – ArchWell Health™, a national healthcare company providing an advanced model of primary care for adults 60+, launched its annual “Pink Letter Project” on July 15, 2025. This nationwide initiative, encouraging women 60+ to prioritize and schedule their breast cancer screen early and in advance of the October “Breast Cancer Awareness” month frenzy, is in its third year helping millions of women across the U.S. take action to support their breast health. ArchWell Health’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Judith Ford is the lead spokesperson for ArchWell Health’s “Pink Letter Project.” Commenting, Dr. Ford shares, “Mammograms are essential and honestly, the most easily available protocol for detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Distressingly, an astounding one in four women between the ages of 50 and 74 are not up to date with their breast cancer screen – a concerning figure given that breast cancer causes more than 42,000 deaths in women each year in the United States.” Education and action underscores ArchWell Health’s “Pink Letter Project” and the company’s push for women to get screened. Often overlooked in education and action, is awareness and understanding of barriers that deter women from regular mammogram screening. Factors such as physical and mental health issues, fears related to the screening process, finances, care access, scheduling constraints, and more, are known to discourage women from taking action. “Through our “Pink Letter Project”, we are tackling barriers that dissuade proactive breast cancer screening and encouraging our members to get their mammogram screen.” Dr. Ford continued. “Early detection means early treatment, which also means the ‘best of best’ outcomes — especially for a population where breast cancer diagnoses increase with age.” Top barriers to breast cancer screening for women 60+ Many factors can hinder women from scheduling and receiving their regular mammogram screen. From physical and mental health concerns to worries about finances, access to care, scheduling constraints, and more, these barriers are real. Lack of awareness and information: Some women may not be fully informed on the importance of regular screenings, the procedure itself, or insurance coverage. Lack of knowledge often leads to misconceptions about the importance and effectiveness of screening. Socio-economic factors: Concerns about the cost of mammograms, including copayments or deductibles, and even lack of health insurance, especially for women with limited insurance or low incomes is often top of mind. Psychological fears: Some women may avoid scheduling and receiving their regular screen because of a fear of receiving an abnormal result or breast cancer diagnosis. They may also fear the actual screen, believing it will be uncomfortable and painful. They may also believe they are ‘too’ old to go through such pain. Scheduling constraints: Many women tend to delay scheduling until October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, only to find that screening centers are fully booked, leading to further delays or completely missed screenings. Screening access: Inadequate access to healthcare providers, a lack of provider recommendation or endorsement for a screen, difficulties with transportation to screening facilities, and social isolation can limit the desire and ability to schedule and attend screening appointments. Age Misperceptions: Some maturing women may perceive their life expectancy is limited, leading to a lack of motivation or belief in the benefits of continued and regular screening. ArchWell Health’s approach to overcoming these barriers Through ArchWell Health’s “Pink Letter Project” the company is actively addressing barriers women 60+ face in their breast cancer screening journey. What this means for members includes the following: Proactive outreach: ArchWell Health’s “Pink Letter Project” drives education and action urging women to understand their breast cancer risks, the significance of proactivity, and importance in prioritizing and scheduling regular and early screens in advance of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. Personalized information and support: ArchWell Health provides members who are due for screening with personalized letters containing information on the importance of breast health, guidance on how to easily schedule a mammogram, and a list of nearby screening centers. These letters also include “order forms” that simplify the process of obtaining the necessary paperwork for the screening. Community engagement: The project extends beyond individual outreach, with ArchWell Health centers hosting social and educational events running from July 15th to October 31st. They also provide postcards for members to send to friends and loved ones, fostering a sense of community and support in prioritizing breast health. Improving accessibility: ArchWell Health centers assist in locating screening centers and offer transportation assistance to members having access difficulties. Dedicated primary care: ArchWell Heath is dedicated to improving the lives of their members through excellent primary care. Through sensitive and 1:1 care, ArchWell physicians facilitate longer appointment times, ensure members are fully educated and informed on all aspects relating to their breast cancer journey, and address all concerns a member may have regarding breast cancer screening. ArchWell Health centers: ArchWell Health has more than 67 primary care centers across 11 states serving members nationwide. This collective network is the centerpiece of advocacy for the “Pink Letter Project” and is a hub of communications for education, information, social opportunities, 1:1 engagement, and special events. To learn more about ArchWell Health visit https://archwellhealth.com. To become a member at ArchWell Health, visit https://archwellhealth.com/get-started. About ArchWell Health ArchWell Health™ is a national company devoted to improving the lives of older adults through excellent primary care. With longer appointment times, in-house lab testing, same-day scheduling, and weekly social activities, ArchWell Health members experience how little things change everything. Each primary care center is conveniently located in neighborhoods with ease of access and provides an opportunity for adults 60+ to connect with a vibrant, caring community. ArchWell Health serves Medicare Advantage members age 60+ in centers across Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. For more information, please visit: archwellhealth.com. Centers in the Florida Gulf Coast are listed below. Holiday 3346 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691 Largo 4520 E Bay Dr, Clearwater, FL 33764 Holiday 3346 US Highway 19, Holiday, FL 34691 Dunedin 2210 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698 Golden Acres 9852 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34654 St. Petersburg 880 49th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 South Bradenton 6832 14th St W, Unit 3, Bradenton, FL 34207 Bradenton 4430 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 West Manatee 6363 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209 Beneva Village 3506 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231 Venice 543 Tamiami Trail S, Venice, FL 34285 https://seniorvoiceamerica.org/re-archwell-health-tackles-barriers-to-breast-cancer-screens-for-seniors-p1318-216.htm