Early Detection Works: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be successfully treated or cured in as many as 98% of cases, when it is detected in the early, localized stages. Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer of women, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

For eligible women, Early Detection Works provides:

For women age 40 to 64, annual clinical breast exams performed by a nurse or physician
Annual mammograms for women age 40-64
Limited services are available for uninsured women under age 40; for information call the toll-free number 1-877-277-1368.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can be cured or even prevented by regular cervical screenings, which include a pelvic exam by a doctor or nurse and a Pap test. The Pap test is a painless scraping of tissue from the cervix (the opening to the womb), which is then checked for abnormal cells.

For eligible women, Early Detection Works provides:

For women ages 40 to 64 annual pelvic exams and Pap tests
After receiving 3 normal Pap tests in 5 years, Early Detection Works pays for Pap tests every 3 years.
Limited services are available for uninsured women under age 40; for more information, call toll-free 1-877-277-1368.

What if something is wrong?

If one of your tests shows a problem, the nurse will explain it to you and the Early Detection Works program will pay for other tests needed to make a diagnosis. The nurse will arrange these appointments with you.

What if I need treatment?

Early Detection Works women who are diagnosed with breast cancer or cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions will be referred to Medicaid for treatment coverage under the Federal Breast and Cervical Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000. This special Treatment Act covers Early Detection Works women who would not otherwise be eligible for Medicaid, who have no health insurance, and who are legal residents of Kansas.

* Limited services are available for uninsured women under the age of 40 who have symptoms of breast or cervical cancer. To see if you qualify, call 1-877-277-1368. Women must be symptomatic to qualify for services. Services are provided through limited state funds.

* Mammograms provided to women 40-49 are paid through grants from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Kansas and Greater Kansas City Affiliates. All other services are paid through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Cooperative Agreement # DPO 797.