Early detection saves lives: Eligible women in Illinois can receive free mammogram screenings

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — On Monday, WCIA 3 went pink for breast cancer. We are working to spread awareness and introduce you to survivors, researchers and other medical professionals.

Data shows breast cancer is the most common cancer in women…But early detection can save lives. That’s where mammograms machines come in.

The problem is, some people don’t have access to insurance to cover the screenings. But, a program with the Department of Public Health is aiming to bridge the gap.

Right now — more than 23,000 women are enrolled in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP). The department is partnered with 28 medical agencies across the state to make it happen. For the last 30 years, they’ve helped provide mammograms to those who need them but don’t have insurance

“I’m a woman, I’m a mom, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, friend, and so I want to empower women to make the best health decisions they can and then help equip them to move forward into that work and that screening path,” Phallisha Curtis, Chief of Women’s Health Services at IDPH, said.

Besides mammograms, this statewide program also connects women to other screenings related to identifying cervical cancer. Each year, the CDC says about 13,000 new cases of that disease are diagnosed in the United States.

To enroll in IBCCP, call the Women’s Health Line at 888-522-1282. You can also contact your local IBCP agency and schedule an appointment.