Women gain access to vital screening

While at our local Covered the Uninsured event two weeks ago I met a Nurse Practitioner from a university sponsored free clinic who was eager to tell women about the NBBCCEDP. I agree, this is a phenomenal program and more women need to know about it.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) was created by the federal government back in 1990. The program helps low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women gain access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.
Over the a five year period (2003-2007), almost 2 million women received services from this program.

Here are the facts:

Of the 1.6 Million Pap tests administered, 48,000 had abnormal results (2.8%). And one in four (25%) of the abnormal results had CIN-2 or worse (Includes HSIL, CIN-2, CIN-3, CIS, and invasive cervical cancer).

Of the 1.8 Million Mammograms administered during this 5 year period, 219,416 had abnormal findings. And 14,930 resulted in Breast cancer (Include invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and other in situ excluding lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

Unfortunately, many women don't know about these programs, so please pass the word. And if you have or know about a program you want to share, please let us know.

To see if you qualify, contact your local branch.

Reference: CDC