The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) is a federal program North Carolina takes part in so that we can offer breast and cervical cancer screening, education and prevention at extremely low costs. One of our main goals is to allow women who do not qualify under other state and federal programs to be screened for breast and cervical cancers.

Eligibility

Through the BCCCP Program, women are eligible for reduced / no cost exams if they are:

• Age 40-64
• Not covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part B
• Have little or no insurance to cover breast and cervical screenings
• Meet household income guidelines. Income guidelines can change every year.

Payment

Payment is determined by a sliding fee scale according to family size and family income. Other services may cost extra. Be sure to call ahead to 336-651-7450 if you are interested in the program.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer strikes one out of every eight women across the US, but it also strikes men. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women behind lung cancer. The cause of breast cancer is not known so there is not a way to prevent it. This makes screening for cancer much more important, especially for women at higher risk. We do know that women whose relatives have had breast cancer are more likely to develop it and are considered at higher risk. Women are also at higher risk as they get older.

Exams

Self breast exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms can help find cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable.

• Optimal breast health includes monthly self breast exams (SBE) and clinical breast exams (CBE) every year. Mammograms are recommended for women according to their risk.
• Self breast exams are the most effective when performed lying on a flat surface, not in the shower, and right after your period when the breast tissue is the least swollen. Breast self exams allow you to know how your breasts feel like normally so that if something changes, you will know early.
• Clinical breast exams are performed by a doctor or nurse during your physical.
• Mammograms should be performed on women under the age of 40 only when symptoms indicate a need. Current guidelines recommend that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests; different screening recommendations may be used for women at higher than average risk.