Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

Here is an article that talks about a program in Chicago called “Women Take Charge Night”. Posted on August 12, 2007, the website: Polish News discusses the success of the new program and of the newly expanded Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to get free breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment, where more than 3,500 women have enrolled for participation in.

Please note that the program for free breast cancer screening is for women OVER 40 and for young women who are at "high risk" with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as some young women with existing breast cancer symptoms.

Excerpted from the article:

"Beginning October 1st, 2007, Governor Blagojevich expanded the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to all uninsured women who need screening and treatment and making over 260,000 more women eligible for the program. All uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 now qualify for mammograms and breast exams, and uninsured women between 35 and 64 now qualify for pelvic exams and Pap tests. On a case-by-case basis, younger, symptomatic women who meet the guidelines are considered for the program. The screening program is free."

"Since the expansion was announced on October 1st, more than 3,500 women have signed up for services through the program. This represents an increase of 121% compared to the same time period last year. Since Governor Blagojevich took office in 2003, more than 109,000 breast and cervical cancer screenings have been performed through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for over 53,000 women. Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 183,000 screenings have been performed."

To obtaion information on how to get free breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment go to:

Illinois Cancer Screening

Or call:

The Women’s Health-Line
888-522-1282
800-547-0466- for TTY (hearing impaired use only)

Information on IBCCP and other women’s health and programs can also be found on the IDPH website.