Free Breast Cancer Screenings Available

Every 13 minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, a lifetime risk that has increased by 44% over the past 40 years. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women.

"Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, we share statistics to bring awareness to the impact of breast cancer. Each of these numbers represents a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend-whose life could have been saved through early detection," said Dawn Henslee, Program Coordinator for Public Health's Well Woman Program.

The Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) is designed to connect eligible women with free breast exams, mammograms, and other diagnostic tests. You may be eligible if you have no insurance, or insurance with a high deductible and your income is at or below 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Women who are eligible for WWWP and learn they have breast cancer may also be eligible for Wisconsin Well Woman Medicaid, which covers treatment costs for breast cancer.

"Breast cancer, caught in its early stages, is highly treatable, making routine screenings one of our most powerful tools to saving lives. Knowledge is power. Our goal is to empower women to have the information they need to take control of their health while removing barriers to receiving that care," said Henslee.

Program staff at Public Health can answer questions about breast cancer, program eligibility, and can help make an appointment for a free screening. Over the last year, the agency enrolled 936 people in Dane and Rock Counties to receive free breast screenings at local clinics.

Women who qualify can call 608-242-6385 or 608-242-6235 (Spanish) to enroll in the Wisconsin Well Woman Program or email [email protected]. Women who live outside Dane and Rock Counties should call 1-800-722-2295 or go online to enroll.