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 The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to
eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with
cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. The program
has been providing breast and cervical cancer screenings to the
women of Illinois since 1995.
Why are regular screenings so important?
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of
cancer in women. However, if it is detected while still in its
earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine
mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide
women with better treatment options and results.
Cervical cancer also is treatable if detected early. There are often
no noticeable symptoms, so it is important that women get screened
regularly and have a Pap test. The test can find any abnormal
changes that could turn into cancer.
Does the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offer any
treatment options?
Yes. Women who are enrolled in the IBCCP and diagnosed with cancer
through the program’s screenings and tests are eligible to receive
treatment benefits.
If a woman is not enrolled in the Illinois Breast and Cervical
Cancer Program but has been diagnosed with cancer, can she still
receive free treatment?
Yes, women who meet IBCCP eligibility requirements but are diagnosed
outside the current IBCCP sites go straight into the treatment
program. This gives women more choices and also avoids penalizing
women who did not know about the program but who were screened and
diagnosed by their doctor, community health center or other health
care facility.
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 For additional information, call the Women’s
Health-Line toll free at 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY)
Am I eligible to receive a free screening through
the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program?
You may be able to receive free services if you are a woman:
Living in Illinois
Without insurance
35 to 64 years old
*younger women may be eligible in some cases
How do I apply for benefits through the Illinois
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program?
To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line
888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be
able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the
screening process. Women also can contact
their local IBCCP agency and schedule an appointment.
If you are a medical provider and your client has no insurance and
is diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer or a precancerous
cervical condition and appears to be IBCCP eligible, or if you are a
woman diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer who may qualify
for treatment, at no cost to you, please download this
Application and
Consent Form.
[Taken for the Illinois Department of
Public Health website]
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