LIFESAVING SCREENINGS AT NO COST FOR UNINSURED WOMEN IN PINELLAS 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of early detection and treatment. Mammograms and Pap tests save women's lives, but their costs can be out of reach for those who are uninsured or can't afford them on their own.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has been serving some of those women by providing a link to screenings and treatment with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 1994. Early detection is the key to successfully diagnosing and treating breast and cervical cancer.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas (DOH-Pinellas) administers the county's Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that serves women between the ages of 50 and 64 who are uninsured and meet income guidelines.

To qualify for services at no cost, women must also not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid, must live in Pinellas County and be able to provide a photo ID.

Each year, the Pinellas program provides more than 1,000 mammograms. It also provides breast screenings and diagnostic services to detect breast and cervical cancers. Services include clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests and referrals for treatment.

For information about the DOH-Pinellas breast and cervical screening program or to see if you qualify, go to https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/bccp/index.html.
To apply for assistance, fill out the application at https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/bccp/_documents/bcc-app-2013.pdf.
For more information, call (727) 824-6917.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.