Every year, thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting regular screenings can help detect breast cancer in its early stages and improve your chances of successful treatment.
However, for many women, the cost of getting screened can be a barrier.
The good news is that there are many organizations that offer free breast cancer screening services. Here are some places where you can get a free breast cancer screening:.
1. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
The NBCCEDP is a federally funded program that provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who are uninsured or underinsured.
To qualify for the program, you must be a woman aged 40 to 64 years old and meet income guidelines.
2. Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen is a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness. The organization offers free mammograms and clinical breast exams at Susan G. Komen-funded facilities around the country.
You can find a list of Komen-funded facilities on their website.
3. YWCA
The YWCA is a non-profit organization that offers breast cancer screening services to women who are uninsured or underinsured.
The organization’s EncorePlus program provides free mammograms and clinical breast exams at more than 250 locations around the country.
4. The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a non-profit organization that provides free breast cancer screening services to low-income women who are uninsured or underinsured.
The organization’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program also provides free mammograms and clinical breast exams at select locations around the country.
5. The National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is a federal agency that provides funding for cancer research and treatment. The agency also offers free breast cancer screening services to women who are uninsured or underinsured.
You can find a list of NCI-funded facilities on their website.
6. Local Health Departments
Many local health departments offer free or low-cost breast cancer screening services to residents in their area. Contact your local health department to find out if they offer these services and what requirements you need to meet to qualify.
7. Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health care to women and men. The organization offers breast cancer screening services, including clinical breast exams and mammograms, at select locations around the country.
8. Mobile Mammography Units
Many organizations and hospitals have mobile mammography units that travel to different locations to provide breast cancer screenings.
Contact your local hospital or breast cancer organization to find out if they have a mobile mammography unit and when it will be in your area.
9. Local Breast Cancer Organizations
There are many local breast cancer organizations that offer free or low-cost breast cancer screening services to residents in their area.
Contact your local breast cancer organization to find out if they offer these services and what requirements you need to meet to qualify.
10. Employer-Sponsored Programs
Some employers offer breast cancer screening services as part of their health benefits packages. Check with your human resources department to find out if your employer offers this benefit and what requirements you need to meet to qualify.
If you are a woman over the age of 40, it’s important to get regular breast cancer screenings.
Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford the cost of screening, there are many organizations and programs that offer free or low-cost services.