Vision
The purpose of the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (WVBCCSP) is to decrease cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality by focusing on low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women and identifying those who have an increased risk for breast or cervical cancer.
History
Breast and cervical cancer affects thousands of individuals each year across the United States, with a greater impact on those with limited access to healthcare. Early detection and treatment through screening reduces mortality rates and significantly improves patient survival. However, screening rates remain lower among those with limited financial resources or health coverage.
To address these barriers, Congress authorized the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990, directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a national strategic effort to increase access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.
Patients diagnosed with cancer through this program may be eligible for treatment coverage through Medicaid, as authorized by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Act passed by Congress in 2000.
Priority Populations and Eligibility
The BCCSP eligible population includes those who are uninsured or underinsured, at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, aged 40 to 64 years for breast cancer services, and aged 21-64 years for cervical cancer services. Those who are symptomatic or high-risk under the age of 40 years and those over the age of 64 who do not have Medicare Part B may also receive services through the program.
Underinsured women whose health plans require out-of-pocket cost sharing (copays or deductibles) for breast or cervical cancer screening that they cannot afford may receive financial support through WVBCCSP to cover these expenses.
Healthy People 2030 Objectives
In accordance with the Healthy People 2030 core objectives for the nation, this program focuses on addressing the national cancer burden. Measurable outcomes are in alignment with the following performance objectives:
● Reduce the female breast cancer death rate (C-04)
● Increase the proportion of females who get screened for breast cancer (C-05)
● Increase the proportion of females who get screened for cervical cancer (C-09)
BCCSP Focus
The primary focus of WVBCCSP is to expand access to early detection services. The program provides direct screening and diagnostic services, supports evidence-based practices in partner clinics, and collaborates with community partners to connect eligible individuals to care.
For BCCSP, this emphasis is reflected within 5 strategies:
- Use of cancer and surveillance data to identify program-eligible populations and specific populations of focus who experience health disparities.
- Support partnerships with community-based organizations, community health workers, cancer coalitions, and other chronic disease programs to reach populations of focus and maximize access to screening.
- Deliver breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services with a prioritization on populations that experience high mortality and rates of late-stage disease at diagnosis. Also assist individuals into and through the screening and diagnostic continuum using community health workers, patient navigators, and local partners to overcome barriers and address social determinants of health.
- Work with partner clinics providing screening and diagnostic services to implement evidence-based interventions which increase access to, delivery of, and demand for breast and cervical cancer screening.
- Monitor program efforts and evaluate outcomes to assess program effectiveness .
Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible for services if you are a female, a resident of West Virginia, have a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and are uninsured or under insured.
- Breast Cancer Services: Generally for ages 40 to 64
- Cervical Cancer Services: Generally for ages 21 to 64
- Younger or Older Adults: Women under 40 with symptoms or high risk, or over 64 without Medicare Part B, may also qualify.
Note on Insurance: If you have insurance but cannot afford your plan's copays or high deductibles for cancer screenings, WVBCCSP can often step in to cover those out-of-pocket costs for you.
How We Help
We do more than just pay for appointments. We help guide you through every step of your health journey:
- Direct Care: We pay for routine Mammograms, Pap tests, pelvic exams, and follow-up testing if an issue is found.
- Support: Our staff can help you find local clinics, make appointments, and overcome challenges like transportation or high medical costs.
- Local Partnerships: We collaborate with local clinics, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community groups to bring care directly to communities across West Virginia.
- Heart Health Benefits: Through our companion WISEWOMAN program, eligible participants aged 40 to 64 can also receive free screenings for heart disease, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Integrated Office Visit with WISEWOMAN
Through the CDC's framework, WVBCCSP pairs breast and cervical cancer screenings with the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program. This extension provides cardiovascular screening and health education to help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke among enrolled participants aged 40 to 64.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to see if you qualify? Reach out to our team today:
- Address: 350 Capitol Street, Room 427, Charleston, WV 25301
- Local Phone: 304-558-5388
- Toll-Free (WV): 1-800-642-8522