Lilly Highlights Free Breast Cancer Screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

CHICAGO – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is drawing attention to the availability of free breast cancer screenings for women through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP).

“If you don’t have your health, you don’t have much else. Early detection based on appropriate screening is critical for women at risk for breast cancer,” Lilly said. “Unfortunately, too many Illinois women who may be without health care coverage do not know that free resources exist to get mammograms and breast cancer screenings.”

Through IDPH, the IBCCP offers free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams for uninsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64. Women who are eligible for IBCCP screenings can also receive treatment benefits once enrolled in the program if medical issues are detected during a health screening. For more information on joining the program and to learn how to enroll, Lilly is encouraging women to visit IDPH’s breast cancer screening website at cancerscreening.illinois.gov or to call the state’s Women’s Health Line toll-free at 888-522-1282.

“Women can receive exams and treatment regardless of their income from the Illinois Breast and Cervical Program and this can be the difference between life and death,” Lilly said. “I encourage all women to take time during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to understand the screening and treatment options that are available for themselves, their friends and their families.”