The Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It is funded by the Department of Health and through a grant the Department receives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Harrisburg Area YMCA has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Adagio Health in order to reach the community and navigate those who may qualify for the program. The YMCA Center for Healthy Living does this by surveying the community and connecting them with the screening services they may need.
Statistics
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by cancer of the lung and bronchus
- Breast cancer risk increases with age
- 50% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed among Pennsylvania women age 50 and over
- Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the primary cause of cervical cancer.
What happens if cancer is detected?
If breast or cervical cancer or a precancerous condition is detected through the PA-BCCEDP, you may be eligible for free treatment through the Department of Human Services (DHS) – Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT). Eligibility for BCCPT is determined by DHS.
You may be eligible if you meet these requirements:
Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostics: 40-64 years old
Cervical Cancer Screening & Diagnostics: 21-64 years old
- If you are under 40 years old, you may be eligible if you have symptoms.
- If you are under 40 years old and your health care provider tells you that you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may be eligible for PA-BCCEDP services. High risk includes genetic mutations, family history, and some other factors. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
- You may be eligible if you are 65 or older and do not have Medicare Part B.
Participants must live in Pennsylvania. You may be eligible for the PA-BCCEDP if your family’s gross household income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
You must be uninsured or underinsured.
- Underinsured means you have health insurance, but it does not cover breast or cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services, or both, offered by PA-BCCEDP or you are financially unable to pay any required deductible or co-payment.
- If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B or Medicaid, you are not eligible for PA-BCCEDP.
- If you have Medicaid Family Planning Services program only, you are considered to be underinsured and you are eligible for PA-BCCEDP.
If you are a biological woman, you may be eligible. If you are a transgender woman (M to F) and have taken or are taking hormones, you may be eligible.
Free services for those meeting the eligibility standards include:
- Mammograms
- Pap and HPV tests
- Follow-up diagnostic tests for abnormal screening results
Contact Us
If you want to learn more, contact our team at (717) 232-2027. Follow the link below to check your eligibility through our Google Form!
