The Need

Over 170,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and nearly 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Through routine screenings, breast and cervical cancer can be identified and treated while in its earliest stages, when the likelihood for recovery is at its greatest.

However, for some women, especially those without insurance, out-of-pocket costs of preventive screenings can be a barrier to preventive care services.

Our Actions

• To increase access for breast and cervical cancer screening services, Maine Primary Care Association has partnered with the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) and Maine’s community health centers to promote breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost to qualifying women.
• To ensure these services are provided to women who need it most, women participating in the program must be uninsured, have a family income below 250% of the poverty level and be between the ages 40-64. Women enrolled in the state’s MBCHP program receive the following services through the program from participating health centers:
• Clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests
• Coordination of referrals for mammography screenings
• Follow-up services for women with a positive screening test
• In addition, public education, peer education programs, transportation services and other support services are coordinated with community partners, if not available directly through the health center’s services.

Outcomes & Program Achievements

Since July 2004, Maine’s community health centers have screened over 800 uninsured women for cervical cancer and nearly 1,000 women for breast cancer. To date, there are over 20 health center sites across the state participating in the program and over 50 clinicians providing these services.

As a result of the ongoing screenings, Maine’s community health centers have helped to:

• Increase awareness regarding the importance of preventive screenings
• Increase the number of women receiving breast and cervical cancer screenings in Maine
• Decrease the number of women having to pay out-of-pocket for preventive screenings

For more information about this program, contact Edwina Ducker, Outreach Coordinator, or Chris Muffett, Marketing Coordinator.

Links and Resources

www.maine.gov/
Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program