National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

In the United States, breast and cervical cancer early detection testing is available for low-income, underserved, under-insured, and uninsured women through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1991. It provides screening support in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 US territories, and 12 American Indian/Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations.

Screening services are mainly offered through non-profit groups and local health clinics. Through these NBCCEDP partners, women without health insurance, or with insurance that does not cover these tests, can get breast and cervical cancer testing for free or at very low cost.

The NBCCEDP attempts to reach as many women in medically underserved communities as possible, including older women, women who are recent immigrants, and women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services offered include:

• Clinical breast exams
• Mammograms
• Pap tests
• Pelvic exams
• Diagnostic testing if results are abnormal
• Referrals for treatment

Though the program is administered in each state, the CDC provides matching funds and support for each state program. Since 1991, the NBCCEDP has

• Provided more than 10.1 million screening exams for breast and cervical cancer to underserved women
• Diagnosed more than 51,890 breast cancers
• Found about 142,440 pre-cancerous cervical lesions
• Diagnosed over 2,980 cervical cancers

To learn more about this program or to find a screening provider near you, please contact the CDC at 1-800-232-4636 or online at www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/. Your state Department of Health can also tell you how to contact your nearest NBCCEDP partner.

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.