According to the American Cancer Society, the five year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent when it is detected early. If breast cancer is detected in later stages after it has progressed and transferred to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops to 26 percent. Cervical cancer is also treatable if detected early.
The best way to detect cancer early is to have regular breast and cervical cancer screenings. Through IBCCP, eligible women 35 or older can get cervical cancer screenings and women 40 or older can get breast cancer screenings. Younger women who have symptoms may also be eligible. If cancer is found, IBCCP offers access to low-cost treatment. Even if a woman has been diagnosed with cancer outside of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, she may still receive low-cost treatment.
“I encourage all women in
In October, the Governor announced the “Beautiful Inside & Out” program – a new partnership between the State of
Beauty salons across the state also joined in the “Beautiful Inside & Out” initiative to make sure every woman knows the importance of routine breast cancer screenings and to make sure every uninsured woman in Illinois knows about the availability of free breast and cervical cancer screenings and low-cost treatment to women who qualify for IBCCP. Salon professionals from all over the state attended trainings to learn about the importance of early detection and screenings and how to talk to their clients about the importance of routine breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Make sure the women in your life receive their annual mammograms and know about the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Let women know that they sign up for IBCCP by calling the Women’s Health Line at
For more information on signing-up for IBCCP and the “Beautiful Inside & Out” initiative, log onto www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov.