Pennsylvania Department of Health
HealthyWoman Project

 

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Project

(717)783-1457

The following link provides information on the Mother's Day Mammograms program. (links to Rite Aid's website)

Why the Program is offered

• Breast cancer produces more Pennsylvania female cancer cases than any other type of cancer, and it is the second leading cause of female cancer death (only lung cancer has more deaths).
• Breast cancer risk increases with age. Eighty-two percent of Pennsylvania cases occur at age 50 or over, 52% at age 65 or over.
• African American women age 50+ are at greater risk of having cervical cancer and dying from it than are white women.
• African Americans have lower 5-year breast cancer survival rates than do white women.
• Early detection improves survival.
• Breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected early through early detection methods:

Breast:

• clinical breast examinations
• mammograms
• self breast examinations

Cervical:

• Pap tests
• pelvic examinations
• If cervical cancer is detected early enough, it is nearly 100 percent curable.

Program Eligibility

• Age 50 - 64*
• Low to moderate income
• No insurance or limited insurance

*A limited number of women age 40 - 49 can be served if they meet the same eligibility guidelines as women age 50 - 64.

Services Rendered

Services are free for those meeting the eligibility standards. Services include:

• Clinical breast examination;
• Mammogram;
• Pelvic examination and Pap smear;
• Education on breast self-exam; and
• Follow-up diagnostic care for an abnormal result.

(Treatment costs are not reimbursed by the Project.)

HealthyWoman Project Service Provider Sites Contact Numbers and Addresses: To access the HealthyWoman provider(s) in your area of the state choose from either a county map or contact list.

For information, including sites anywhere in PA offering free or discounted screening, contact Cancer Information Services at 1-800-4-CANCER or 1-800-422-6237.

For further information, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or (717)783-1457

The following link provides access to the publication Helping People Cope: A Guide for Families Facing Cancer and to OncoLink, an oncology information resource at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center.