The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Breast cancer screenings are essential for catching the disease early. If you’re unable to access mammograms or other breast imaging because you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover screenings, you may be able to receive free or low-cost screenings through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). 

This program helps to fund breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services through  public health departments across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 13 tribal organizations, and seven U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. Since its creation in 1991, NBCCEDP-funded programs have helped more than 6.4 million women receive cancer screenings and diagnosed more than 79,000 cases of invasive breast cancer.

Editor’s note: State NBCCEDP programs may lose funding if legislation isn’t passed that reauthorizes funding for the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. They may also be cut if the administration’s proposed budget, which would eliminate the entire chronic disease prevention center that houses the NBCCEDP, goes into effect. If you’d like to weigh in on these funding decisions, contact your members of Congress.

Requirements vary by state, but in general, you may qualify for free or low-cost screening through the NBCCEDP if you: 

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  don’t have health insurance or your health insurance doesn’t cover breast cancer screenings 

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  meet the income requirements, which vary by state 

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  are between the ages of 40 and 64 for breast cancer screening 

Services may differ based on where the programs are located, but in general,  the NBCCEDP covers these tests:

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  mammograms

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  breast MRIs

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  physical breast exams

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  diagnostic services, like a breast biopsy or breast ultrasound  

In addition to breast cancer screenings, the program also covers cervical cancer screenings, including pap tests and HPV tests, for eligible people ages 21 to 64. 

Screenings are offered through state or tribal public health departments, which can be found on the CDC website.  Different states may have different ways of checking if you’re eligible for screenings: for example, you may have to apply online and wait to be contacted about approval or you may be able to call your local health department. Some states, including California and Arkansas, have provider databases that allow you to contact doctors or health centers directly about screenings. 

Once you’ve been approved, you’ll be able to set up a screening appointment. Some places like the District of Columbia provide transportation assistance and cancer education to eligible people.    

If you go through NBCCEDP screenings and the tests show you have cancer, you may also be eligible for Medicaid through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program. Your local health department or community health center can help you apply for Medicaid coverage.