CDC Collaboration

All states are making breast cancer early detection testing more available to medically underserved women through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program, offered mainly through non-profit organizations and local health clinics, provides breast and cervical cancer testing to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost. The NBCCEDP attempts to reach as many women in medically underserved communities as possible, including older women, women without health insurance, and women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities.

Though the program is administered within each state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide matching funds and support to each state program. Now in its tenth year, the program has provided 2 million early detection exams to underserved women, diagnosed over 5,800 breast cancers, over 31,000 precancerous cervical lesions, and over 500 cervical cancers.

Each state's Department of Health will have information on how to contact the nearest program participant. For more information on this program, please contact the CDC at 1-888-842-6355 or on the internet at www.cdc.gov/cancer.