BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a public health campaign during October every year to increase awareness and to raise funds for researching the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of the disease.
Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women; unfortunately, almost 1 in 8 women in the US will get breast cancer, but most women can survive if it is found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can find breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat.
Mammograms
If you are between the ages of 40 and 64, you may qualify for a screening mammogram, clinical breast exam and Pap test through the Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP). Free services for those meeting the eligibility standards include:
- Mammograms;
- Pap and HPV tests; and
- Follow-up diagnostic tests for abnormal screening results
You can learn more about eligibility requirements on the PA Department of Health’s website or by calling 215-985-3300.
I don't have insurance and need treatment
If breast or cervical cancer or a precancerous condition is detected through the PA-BCCEDP, you may be eligible for free treatment through the Department of Human Services (DHS) – Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT). Eligibility for BCCPT is determined by DHS.
For specific information visit the BCCPT website.
Prescription Payments
Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. For more information, call 1-800-225-7223 or visit the PA Department of Aging website.
More information about available programs and options can be found on the American Cancer Society website.
Wigs and Headwear
Pink Hands of Hope is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to helping women in Central Pennsylvania during their fight against breast cancer, supplying FREE products and services to help make the journey a little easier, like wigs, caps, clothing, shawls, knitted knockers, port pillows and many other items available at no cost.
There are also offer services such as free make-overs, financial assistance with medical bill -payment, help with transportation cost and much more. To find out how you, or someone you know can participate, visit the Programs tab on this site, reach out to us on the contact us below or call our store at 717-620-8264.
