“The Cancer Services Program is very informative, helpful and understanding. If there were no program to help me pay for cancer screenings, I would wait until I had a problem or not get screened at all,” says Ms. Perry.

 

The Cancer Services Program of Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties, one of a network of 54 community-based cancer screening programs across the state, provides free clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap tests and follow-up procedures to detect breast and cervical cancer for uninsured and underinsured women, age 40 and over. It also offers free colorectal cancer screening test kits for uninsured and underinsured individuals age 50 and over. Through funding provided by the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, participants are provided annual screening examinations and follow-up services.

 

“The Program covers everything, from initial screening to follow-up tests. They help you set up your appointment and can help you get to your appointment. It gives you peace of mind to know that you have been checked out and that you can count on the program if you need it in the future,” Ms. Perry expressed.

 

Clients benefit from case management services and face-to-face application assistance, if needed, for the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program. The Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program provides insurance coverage for those who have been diagnosed with breast, cervical, colorectal or prostrate cancer and are in need of treatment. Additionally, The Cancer Services Program partner organization, ENCOREPlus, actively works at reducing barriers to care by offering free transportation to and from appointments. ENCOREPlus staff also provides reminder calls each year when screenings are due.

 

“It is easy to find out information about the program or to find out if you qualify. It is as simple as a phone call. Our goal is to offer access to these life-saving tests to people that may not have the insurance coverage to pay for them,” says Carrie Abbott, Program Supervisor. “I’ve seen the results of this program for over 10 years. It is effective. It saves lives.”

 

Ms. Perry recommends the program for those who cannot afford the high costs of cancer screening services. “This is an important program for women who don’t have insurance to cover their cancer screenings. I hope my words encourage other women to get tested early for cancer through the Cancer Services Program,” she says.

 

The Cancer Services Program of Broome, Chenango & Tioga Counties is partnering with the American Cancer Society, ENCOREPlus, Excellus, Lourdes and United Health Services to raise awareness about the program. Those who call and qualify for the program can mention this story and will be offered the cancer screening services and then a $10 gift card for taking the time to care for themselves.

 

“This is a win-win. You will receive these valuable services and get a gift for taking the steps to have the screenings done. It is our way of showing our clients that they are valuable and we want them to be screened,” says Abbott. 

 

If you would like to find out more information about the Cancer Services Program or to see if you qualify for free cancer screenings, please call 607.778.3900, option 1.