National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

If you don’t have insurance or if your coverage isn’t enough, it can be hard to know where to turn for services that help prevent cancer or find it early. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program can help with free or low-cost check-ups and screenings for breast and cervical cancer.

What is the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)?

The NBCCEDP is a federal program that provides free and low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for people who can’t afford them. It connects those in need to timely testing and follow-up care to help find cancer early when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The program is run through partnerships with states, tribes, and territories across the US. It is offered through state or tribal public health departments.

What screening tests does NBCCEDP offer?

Some of the screening services offered include:

• Clinical breast exams
• Mammograms (breast x-rays)
• Pap tests
• HPV tests
• Pelvic exams

Other tests, such as breast MRI, may be covered for people at high risk, depending on specific program eligibility.

What diagnostic tests does NBCCEDP offer?

The NBCCEDP provides follow-up diagnostic testing for abnormal findings from screening through the program. These include services such as:

• Diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds
• Breast biopsies
• Colposcopies to look at the cervix and take a tissue sample for testing

Who is eligible through NBCCEDP?

You might be eligible for screening through NBCCEDP if you meet both of these requirements:

• You don’t have health insurance, or your insurance doesn’t fully cover cancer screening tests or certain tests.
• Your yearly income is below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Income guidelines depend on the state you live in, so check with your state’s health department to see if you qualify.

The NBCCEDP is available for:

• Women between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening
• Women between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening

Some women who are younger or older may still be able to get screening services based on their individual situation and specific program eligibility.

You can search for free or low-cost screening in your state, territory, or tribe on the CDC website. Or you can call the CDC at 1-800-232-4636.

What if cancer is found?

If you find out you have cancer through the NBCCEDP, you might be able to get Medicaid benefits to cover treatment costs. If you don’t have insurance and are under 65 years of age, check with your state’s health department to find out if you qualify.