Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
- Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
- Donations, website, or event-related assistance
- Tobacco-related topics
- Volunteer opportunities
- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
Financial and Insurance Matters
- Patient Bill of Rights
- Keeping Up with Health Insurance During Cancer Treatment
- Getting Medical Pre-approval or Prior Authorization
- If Your Health Insurance Claim Is Denied
- Social Security Disability Insurance for People with Cancer
- Supplemental Security Income for People with Cancer
- If You Have Problems Paying a Medical Bill
- Help Paying for Prescription Medicines
- Programs and Resources to Help With Cancer-related Expenses
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides free and low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening services for people who can’t afford them.
What screening tests does NBCCEDP offer?
Some of the services offered include:
- Breast exams
- Mammograms (breast x-rays)
- Pap tests
- HPV tests
- Pelvic exams
Who is eligible for screening through the NBCCEDP?
You might be eligible if:
- You don’t have health insurance, or your insurance doesn’t fully cover cancer screening tests or certain tests; and
- Your yearly income is below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Income guidelines depend on the state you live in, so check with your state’s health department to see if you qualify.
The NBCCEDP is available for:
- Women between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening
- Women between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening
You can search for free or low-cost screening in your state, territory, or tribe on the CDC website. Or you can call the CDC at 1-800-232-4636.
If your screening test shows cancer
If you find out you have cancer through the NCCCEDP, you might be able to get Medicaid benefits to cover treatment costs. If you don’t have insurance and are under 65 years of age, check with your state’s health department to find out if you qualify.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The national breast & cervical cancer early detection program. Published February 28, 2023. Accessed July 27, 2023. http://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/national-breast-cervical-cancer-early-detection-program.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National breast and cervical cancer early detection program. Published 2019. Accessed July 27th, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm.
Last Revised: September 30, 2023
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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