About the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
What is the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program? The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. In 2006, Governor expanded the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Now, more women than ever before can take advantage of the free screenings and treatment. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. Since the program was launched in Illinois in 1995, over 66,000 women have been screened for breast and cervical cancers. Why are regular screenings so important? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. However, if it is detected while still in its earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results. Cervical cancer also is treatable if detected early. There are often no noticeable symptoms, so it is important that women get screened regularly and have a Pap test. The test can find any abnormal changes that could turn into cancer. Read more about mammograms and Pap tests. Does the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offer any treatment options? Yes. Women who are enrolled in the IBCCP and diagnosed with cancer through the program’s screenings and tests are eligible to receive treatment benefits. If a woman is not enrolled in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program but has been diagnosed with cancer, can she still receive free treatment? Yes. Governor's recent expansion of IBCCP benefits allows women who meet IBCCP eligibility requirements but are diagnosed outside the current IBCCP sites to go straight into the free treatment program. This gives women more choices and also avoids penalizing women who did not know about the program but who were screened and diagnosed by their doctor, community health center or other health care facility. For additional information, call the Women’s Health-Line toll free at 1-888-522-1282 (1-800-547-0466 TTY) |
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535 W. Jefferson St., First Floor, Springfield, IL 62761-0001 217-524-6088, Fax 217-557-3326 Women's Health-Line: Toll-free: 888-522-1282 TTY: 800-547-0466 DPH.OWHLine@Illinois.gov |
