ECDOH: Regular cancer screening could save your life

Erie County cancer services program helps people without insurance get life-saving tests for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer

By the Erie County Department of Health

Fact: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Fact: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in New York state. Fact: Mammograms can detect breast cancer in early stages, when there are more treatment options and better outcomes.

Fact: Breast cancer is treatable and beatable, and the Erie County cancer services program (CSP) is committed to connecting uninsured and underinsured residents with mammograms.

Most health insurance plans in New York state cover the costs for mammograms but, for people without insurance, CSP can help. CSP helps people without insurance get life-saving screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. If more testing is needed, our program can pay for that, too, and help enroll eligible people in the NYS Medicaid cancer treatment program if cancer is found.

“Each October, we renew our message to the public that cost or lack of insurance should not be a barrier to getting a mammogram,” CSP Director Michelle Wysocki said. “The fear of the unknown can lead to avoiding that regular screening. We are here to help people not only have that mammogram, but also provide any needed access to additional testing or treatment through our large network of local health care providers.”

CSP covers the cost of a screening mammogram for those age 40-74 with little or no health insurance, as well as a provider visit for a clinical breast exam, if needed. If you or anyone you know needs breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening, please call CSP at 716-858-7376.

For more:

√ Erie County cancer services program: www.erie.gov/cancerservices