How one employee’s passion drives cancer screening advocacy

Maria Caliri | 3 Minute Read

Head of Treasury Solutions Sales Kathleen Kenslea has an important message to share about preventive cancer screenings.

Through a routine mammogram, Kathleen received a breast cancer diagnosis, but her prognosis was good as it was caught early. Now, as a 10-year survivor, she passionately promotes breast cancer awareness and emphasizes the importance of early detection—a message reinforced by Santander as part of the company's focus on health and well-being.

"Prioritize your screening. Schedule it. Put it on your calendar. It's non-negotiable," said Kathleen.

Kathleen's conviction is inspired by her own story as well as sobering stats that show a drop in early detection screenings and exams since the onset of the pandemic. The American College of Radiology reveals that mammogram screenings have only rebounded to 85.3%.

Executive Director, Total Rewards & HR Technology Samantha McMillan said research shows that early detection through regular mammograms leads to less aggressive treatments, like mastectomies, and reduces mortality rates most effectively.

"We have a generous benefits program here at Santander that helps our employees proactively manage their care," said Samantha. "As part of employees' preventive care coverage under the Santander medical plan, 100% of the first in-network mammogram or breast ultrasound is covered each year. We continue to urge employees to schedule preventive screenings to help diagnose cancer and other diseases as early as possible."

Santander also offers support programs for employees with cancer, an Employee Assistance Program, and paid leave programs.

She continued, "With our leave programs, employees have peace of mind during a difficult time with job-protected paid leave if they need to be absent from work on a continuous or intermittent basis for treatment. And with the new Santander Paid Caregiver Leave, employees now have the time and space they need to support family members with breast cancer or other cancers during their recovery."

As a member of Commercial Banking's People and Culture Program, Kathleen actively promotes breast cancer awareness by bringing in guest speakers from cancer advocacy organizations to present to Santander teams.

"In my case, I endured a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, but my prognosis was good, and I had a strong support system, which included family, friends and my manager," said Kathleen. "I just want to do everything I can to help others benefit from the same types of resources that were available to me."