West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
The WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening program (BCCSP) is offered at the Rainelle Medical Center and its satellite clinic at Meadow Bridge. BCCSP provides screening services free of charge or at a minimal fee to low income and uninsured or underinsured women. Women at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for services. For example, a 1 person family can make up to $18,624 and qualify for services. A family of four making up to $37,704 will qualify. No proof of income is necessary.
The BCCSP offers screening mammograms to women age 50 and older. Diagnostic services for breast abnormalities are available for women under the age of 50. Cervical cancer screening services are available to women 25 and older. Cervical cancer screening services are also available for women under age 25 with Pap test results of HGSIL.
BCCSP provides:
- Clinical Breast Exam
- Screening Mammogram
- Diagnostic Mammogram
- Fine Needle Aspiration
- Ultrasound
- Pelvic Examination
- Pap Smear
- Colposcopy
- Cervical Biopsy
- Surgical Evaluation
- Breast Biopsy
The BCCSP also educates the public and health professionals about recommended screening guidelines, breast and cervical cancer risk factors and preferred methods for performing breast self-examination.
What is a screening?
Why do I need to get screened?
What screenings can i get?
The BCCSP offers:
- Mammograms for women age 50-64
Medicare now pays for mammograms each year for women age 65 and older. - Pap tests and pelvic exams for women age 25-64
Medicare now pays for a Pap test and pelvic exam once every 24 months. - Breast exams by a doctor or nurse for women age 25-64
Medicare now pays for a breast exam once very 24 months.
How can I get these screenings?
You may be able to get these free or low-cost screenings if:
- You meet age and income guidelines, and
- You do not have health insurance, or
- Your health insurance does not cover breast and cervical cancer screenings
Income Guidelines
To see the income guideline which compares family size, monthly income, and yearly income, please click on the following link (this chart is printer friendly): Income Guideline Chart
Where can I get these free or low-cost screenings?
To find out where you can get free or low-cost screenings, ask your doctor or nurse, call your local health department or clinic, or call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Follow these steps for good health:
- Get a Pap test
Start getting a Pap test at age 18 or the age when you start having sex. Get a Pap test each year. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to get a Pap test more or less often. - Check your breasts each month
Start doing a breast self exam at age 20. Look for changes in size, shape and feel of your breasts. - Have a doctor or nurse check your breasts each year
Start getting a breast exam by a doctor or nurse at age 20. - Get a mammogram, if you are 40 years old or older
If you are 40-49 years old, get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often to get a mammogram. If you are 50 years old or older, get a mammogram each year.
These steps could save your life!
The WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program screens women in all 55 counties in WV.
