Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

Breast and Cervical Cancer in Pennsylvania

- In 2024, an estimated 13,370 women in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,820 will die from the disease. Additionally, an estimated 500 women in PA will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

- Cancers that are found at an early stage are easier to treat and lead to greater survival.

- Uninsured and underinsured women have lower screening rates, resulting in a greater risk of being diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage of disease.

Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

The PA-BCCEDP provides low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women access to breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services, including mammograms, Pap tests, and diagnostic testing if abnormal results are found:

- From 2015-2020, over 29,600 PA women were served by the program.

- Over 300 breast cancers and 670 cervical cancers or precancerous lesions have been detected by the program.

Need for Adequate Funding for this Lifesaving Program

Although access to preventive services has increased through expanded health care coverage and elimination of most cost-sharing, millions of low-income, underserved women still do not have adequate access to breast and cervical cancer screening services. Nationally, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) can only service one in ten eligible women because of lack of funding. Maintaining state funding for the PA-BCCEDP will preserve a critical safety net for Pennsylvania women who continue to lack access to lifesaving cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for breast and cervical cancers.

Over 29,600 PA women count on the PA-BCCEDP for Lifesaving Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Services. We are committed to fully funding this important program.