Free breast and cervical cancer screening is available in all 68 of the U.S. states, tribes and territories through a program that has been in existence for 20 years. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) sponsored by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to free or low cost mammograms and Pap tests to under-insured and uninsured women. To receive services through this program, federal guidelines require a woman to be under-insured or uninsured. Each state/territory has it’s own definitions for these terms. Women must be between the ages of 40 and 64 for breast cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening is also available through this program and there are some states that offer coverage for treatment if cancer is detected. An estimated 8-11% of women throughout the US are eligible to receive services. To find out if you qualify for free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests, contact your local program by visiting http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
