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Dear Illinois Women,
When it comes to breast and cervical cancer, early detection is the key to survival. That's why I'm pleased to announce the expansion of our Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests. Uninsured women over the age of 35 can receive free cervical cancer screenings, and women over the age of 40 can receive free mammograms and breast exams.
Breast cancer will claim the lives of 1,700 women in Illinois this year. And in women over the age of 20, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. But we also know that when breast cancer is diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is 98%. Early detection means finding the cancer before you see symptoms. Unfortunately, for many women who are uninsured, getting regular check-ups and exams is not always easy to do.
Already, 78,000 women in Illinois have received free screenings. But there are thousands more women in Illinois who still aren't getting the care and coverage they need. Thats why we've expanded the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to allow any uninsured woman to receive access to the essential screenings to detect cervical and breast cancer.
If you need coverage for breast and cervical cancer, or if you know anyone who may be eligible for our program, please call us at the Illinois Department of Public Health's Womens Health-Line at 1-888-522-1282, contact us via TTY at 1-800-547-0466.
I believe that everyone has a fundamental right to health care. And with the expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, we're on our way.
Sincerely,
Rod Blagojevich |
