Program Overview
The Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) at Spokane Regional Health District provides eligible women and men with free screening and diagnostic services specific to breast, cervical and colon cancer. Assistance may include for health exams, screenings, limited diagnostic testing, education, and access to treatment. The program covers nine eastern Washington counties – Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Orielle, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman.
The work of this program is important because when a person in need of cancer screening should not have to worry about how to pay for care. Having health insurance coverage may not be feasible for some, or even with coverage, the out-of-pocket costs may still be unaffordable. It takes time and energy to manage these details and that is where BCCHP staff can help.
MEN
- 50 - 64 may be eligible for colon tests
WOMEN
- 40 - 64 may be eligible for breast, cervical and colon tests
- 19 - 39 with suspicious breast symptoms may be eligible for breast tests.
Income Guideline Examples
Gross Monthly Household Income 250% FPL
Household Size Breast, Cervical, Colon
1 $2,658
2 $3,523
3 $4,444
4 $6,285
Add for each additional $921
*Through a grant from Every Women Can, women may receive breast cancer services if they are over 40 and over the listed income level, OR under 40.
The program is part of the Washington Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Health and funded through U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local grant funding. As one of six prime contractors for the state, SRHD’s BCCHP offers services in nine counties and partners with several community organizations and medical providers to help ensure services for clients.
Support to our SRHD BCCHP program is also provided by Every Woman Can at the Heart of the Fight.
To learn more about Every Woman Can at the Heart of the fight, please visit their website at https://www.everywomancan.org/....
Why It’s Important to Get Screened
Breast, cervical and colon cancer often have no warning signs. Regular screenings can find cancer early when treatment is more effective. Early treatment often means living longer. Go to your medical provider for regular cancer screenings throughout your lifetime.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.
Cervical Cancer Statistics
Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. However, in the past 40 years, the number of cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths from cervical cancer have decreased significantly. This decline largely is the result of many women getting regular Pap tests, which can find cervical precancer before it turns into cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Statistics
Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women. For more information, visit Cancer Among Men and Cancer Among Women.
Breast, cervical and colon cancer often have no warning signs. Regular screenings can find cancer early when treatment is more effective. Early treatment often means living longer. Individuals should visit their medical provider for regular cancer screenings throughout their lifetimes.
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
8There are eight warning signs of breast cancer that everyone should know.
Warning signs of breast cancer include:
Be sure to visit your medical provider if you have concerns.
SRHD BCCHP Data
175SRHD screened 4,187 women and were able to help 175 women get treatment for breast cancer and 36 for cervical cancer.
Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Facts
In program year 2018, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program:
- Provided breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to 276,417 women and diagnosed 2,599 invasive breast cancers and 712 premalignant breast lesions.
- Provided cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to 135,148 women and diagnosed 159 invasive cervical cancers and 6,726 premalignant cervical lesions, of which 36% were high-grade.
Breast Cancer License Plates
For purchase of specialized breast cancer license plates, contact the Department of Licensing for details. A portion of
the proceeds from license plate sales go toward free breast cancer screening
services, including mammograms and follow-up testing for eligible people with a
low income through the Department of Health's Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program.
Get Connected
Insurance or NO insurance, you may be eligible for help with out-of-pocket expenses. Call 509.324.1553.
“Early detection is the best protection! ”
Breast, cervical, and colon cancer often have no warning signs. Regular screenings can find cancer early when treatment is easier. Screening tests and follow-up can prevent colon and cervical cancer from developing. Learn more about cancer screening and which tests are right for you.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program 20th Anniversary Video
Published on Apr 5, 2011. Descriptions of the benefits of CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) from public health leaders and women who have been screened through the program.
Breast, Cervical & Colon Health for Health Care Providers
Working closely with health care providers as they are a trusted source of prevention information specific to breast, cervical and colon cancer screening and treatment.
License Plate Promo
Drivers in Washington can purchase a specialized breast cancer license plate through Department of Licensing. Proceeds pay for mammograms and testing for low-income individuals.