PEORIA, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is  drawing attention to the availability of free breast cancer screenings and treatment options for low-income women.

“Far too many women in Illinois are not aware that free screening options for breast cancer are available,” Gordon-Booth said. “No woman should have to suffer through the devastating effects of breast cancer because they could not afford screening or treatment.”

Gordon-Booth is highlighting the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which provides free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams for low-income women. Patients enrolled in the program are also eligible for treatment benefits. The IBCCP is open to uninsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64. Women can find out more about the program at IDPH’s breast cancer screening website, cancerscreening.illinois.gov or by calling the state’s Women’s Health Line toll-free at 888-522-1282.

“The Illinois Breast and Cervical Program allows women to receive breast cancer screening exams and treatment, regardless of their income,” Gordon-Booth. “This critical program can mean the difference between life and death for women who can’t otherwise afford health care services. During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage women to check their eligibility for free breast cancer screenings.”

DES PLAINES, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is highlighting his recent support for life-saving breast cancer screenings for women, as well as the Illinois Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) which provides free screenings to Illinois women who lack access to health care coverage.   

“Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent dangers women face in the United States,” said Moylan. “It is important that at risk women have access to free breast cancer screenings and treatment. Catching the cancer early can really save lives.”

Moylan is encouraging women in need to take advantage of the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program. The program is operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and provides eligible women free breast exams and mammograms, as well as Pap tests and pelvic exams. Women are eligible for these services if they are an uninsured Illinois resident between the ages of 35 and 64. Additionally, if someone who is enrolled in the IBCCP is diagnosed with cancer through the program’s screenings and tests, they would be able to receive treatment benefits. For more information, please visit www.dph.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Women’s Health-line at 1-888-522-1282.

On average, breast cancer affects about one in every eight women in the United States. That is why earlier this spring Moylan fought to support reforms to balance the budget while making sure to fund lifesaving breast cancer screenings for at-risk women.

“It is our responsibility to advocate for our community’s health while in Springfield, whether it is providing access to life-saving screenings or giving women in need the opportunity to be proactive with their own health,” said Moylan. “We worked hard this past spring to make sure we passed a balanced budget that included safeguards like the IBCCP to protect women and families.”