IndiaPost.com - More agencies for Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Illinois is the first state in the nation to provide access for all uninsured women who need breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment. The government has added six new health agencies to the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) so that more women can have an easy access for screening and early detection of the cancer.

Since October 1, 2007, more than 5,200 women have signed up to receive life-saving screenings and treatment. The latest expansion makes more than 260,000 additional women eligible for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

All uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 now qualify for mammograms and breast exams, and uninsured women between 35 and 64 now qualify for pelvic exams and Pap tests. On a case-by-case basis, younger, symptomatic women who meet the guidelines are considered for the program.

The screening program is free. Six additional agencies are: The Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center, Inc. in Chicago Heights, Erie Family Health Center, Inc. in Chicago, Asian Human Services Family Health Center in Chicago, Michael Reese Health Trust Research and Education Foundation of the Michael Reese Medical Staff in Chicago and Sangamon County Department of Public Health in Springfield.

The three agencies previously announced include PCC Community Wellness Center in Oak Park, Chicago Family Health Center in Chicago and Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago. Since the program's inception in 1995, more than 183,000 screenings have been performed.