Free Breast & Cervical Screening Program

For more than 20 years, CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has provided low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.

CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States.

Search for free and low-cost screenings in your state, tribe, or territory—use the interactive map to find local contacts for breast and cervical cancer screening.

What Services Does the NBCCEDP Provide?

Local NBCCEDP programs offer the following services for eligible women—

Clinical breast examinations.

Mammograms.

Pap tests.

Pelvic examinations.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests.

Diagnostic testing if results are abnormal.

Referrals to treatment.

Who Should Get Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings?

All women are at risk for breast and cervical cancer, but regular screenings can prevent these diseases or find them early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has established the following guidelines for screening, but you should talk with your health care provider how often you should get screened.

Breast cancer: Women between 50 and 74 years old should get a mammogram every two years. Those under 50 should talk with their provider about when they should be screened.

Cervical cancer: Women should get their first Pap test at age 21 and continue screening until age 65.

Are You Eligible for Free or Low-Cost Screenings?

You may be eligible for free or low-cost screenings if you meet these qualifications—

You are between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening.

You are between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening.

You have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams.

Your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Information about Getting Screened

To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test and where to get screened, call:

    •  1 (888) 522-1282

Program Information

CDC funding for a capacity-building program for breast and cervical cancer early detection began in 1992. Subsequent funding for a comprehensive program was awarded in 1995.

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program 

Office of Women's Health Services

Illinois Department of Public Health

535 West Jefferson Street, First Floor

Springfield, IL 62761–0001

1 (888) 522-1282

(217) 785-1050

1 (800)547-0466

Fax: (217) 557-3326

Information last updated: Monday, January 12, 2015