PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Breast, Cervical, Colon Health

Cancer screening can save your life!

Breast, cervical and colon cancer often have no warning signs. Regular screenings can find cancer early when treatment is easier. Early treatment often means living longer.  Go to your medical provider for regular cancer screenings throughout your lifetime.  
General recommendations* are:

• Starting at age 21, talk to your provider about Pap tests that screen for cervical cancer and regular breast exams.
• Starting at age 40, talk to your provider about when to get a mammogram and how often.
• Starting at age 50, talk to your provider about which colon cancer screening test is best for you.

*If you have symptoms at any age, talk to your provider.  For more detailed information, check out the “For More Information” links at right.

If you do not have medical insurance for these tests, you may be eligible for free services through the Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program (see below).

Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program (BCCHP)

NEW Community Health Worker Training

BCCHP is part of a new Community Health Worker (CHW) training system that Washington state is implementing in preparation for the impact of Health Care Reform. CHWs encompass a variety of titles and roles, but primarily are individuals who play a vital part in assisting people to overcoming barriers that affect their ability to access medical care and obtain health information. They may work in a medical clinic or community setting, be paid employees or volunteers. This training provides core competencies useful to all CHW roles.

The training is a FREE 8-week certificate course which consists of two in-person, full-day sessions (at the beginning and end) and 6 weeks of web-based training (1-2 hours/week) in between. After completion, participants have the choice to obtain additional web-based training in various health specific topics allowing them to tailor it to their individual needs.

For more information and to register for a training session near you visit: www.doh.wa.gov/chwts

Free Screening Services

We provide eligible women and men with free health exams, screenings, limited diagnostic testing and treatment (breast and cervical cancer only), education, referrals and follow-up in nine Eastern Washington counties – Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Orielle, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings are available to women who:

• Are 40-64 years of age
• Are 35-39 years of age with breast symptoms
• Have limited income
• Are uninsured or underinsured (insurance that does not completely cover women’s health care service, or have an insurance plan that requires a deductible or co-payment that she cannot afford)
• Live in Washington state

The free women’s health exam may include a mammogram, pelvic exam, pap test, clinical breast exam, education and referral assistance. Examinations are provided by contracted providers throughout Eastern Washington.

Colon Cancer Screenings are available to men and women who:

• Are 50-64 years of age (or younger if they have a family history of colon cancer)
• Do not have colon symptoms (e.g., one symptom is bloody stools) or G.I. conditions
• Have limited income
• Are uninsured, or underinsured (insurance that does not completely cover colon cancer screening services, or have an insurance plan that requires a deductible or co-payment that he/she cannot afford)
• Live in Washington state

If you are interested in applying for free screenings, please call your provider to see if they participate in the Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program and tell them you wish to enroll.  If they do not, or you have questions, please call (509) 324-1553 or toll free 1 (888) 461-8876 for assistance.