Arkansas Department of Health expands free breast and cervical cancer screenings during awareness month

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Health announced that free breast and cervical cancer screenings will be offered through the state’s BreastCare program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The program partners with a statewide network of providers to deliver no-cost screenings, follow-up services, and education to eligible women.

According to ADH, nearly 400 women in Arkansas die from breast cancer each year, while more than 2,690 are diagnosed. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the state and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Arkansas and across the United States.

Arkansas currently ranks 35th lowest for mammography and 43rd lowest for pap tests.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 40–74 receive a mammogram every two years. Through the BreastCare program, eligible women aged 40–64 may receive free breast cancer screenings, and women aged 21–64 may receive free cervical cancer screenings.

Since its establishment under the Breast Cancer Act of 1997, the program has enrolled more than 155,972 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services, officials said.

For more information, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit ARBreastCare.com.