Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Source of Funding

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) as administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP). The NBCCEDP was created in response to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Act of 1990; Public Law 101-354. The FBCCEDP has been awarded funding by the CDC since 1994.

Statewide Access

The Florida program is available statewide through the lead of 16 county health departments (CHDs) that have agreements to coordinate services with the remaining counties. The lead counties are: Brevard, Broward, Duval, Escambia, Gadsden, Hillsborough, Jackson, Leon, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Seminole, and Volusia.

Eligibility Requirements

• Female between 50 and 64 years of age, and
• Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and
• Uninsured or no insurance that covers screenings
.

Services Provided

• Breast and cervical cancer screening exams (clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap smears) to approximately 8% of the at need population
• Some diagnostic exams are covered and referral to treatment as necessary
• Paid breast and cervical cancer treatment through Medicaid for eligible women screened through the program as funding allows (effective July 1, 2001)
• Care coordination to all clients with abnormal exams
• Outreach and public education
• Data collection and utilization to evaluate the program's effectiveness in meeting both qualitative and quantative indicators
• Technical assistance by the state office personnel to the 16 lead county health department regional coordinators
• Opportunities for enhancing knowledge of healthcare providers and the general public about breast and cervical cancer issues
• Annual linkages with the Florida Cancer Data System, Florida's statewide cancer registry
• A program website with further information located at www.doh.state.fl.us/Family/bcc/

Successes

• As of January 21, 2010, 65,487 women have received 112,611 mammograms and 44,190 women have received 67,643 Pap Tests through this program.
• As of December 17, 2009, 1,566 women screened through this program have been diagnosed with breast cancer; 52 with invasive cervical cancer and 470 with pre-cancerous lesions (CIN I, CIN II or CIN III) or precancerous conditions.
• The program has exceeded the level of racial, ethnic, and cultural minority program clients served compared to the U.S. Census data for Florida.
• Ongoing collaboration with heath care partners increases the awareness of the importance of clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap smears.

Important Facts

• Detecting any cancer at an early stage is the key to improved survival and decreased mortality rates.
• Research indicates that regular mammography and clinical breast exams can reduce breast cancer mortality by 30% among women 50 years and older.
• Mortality due to cervical cancer is preventable IF caught early.
• Risk of both breast and cervical cancer increases with age.
• Almost one in five Floridians, or 20.0% of Florida residents, lack health insurance (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2008 Annual Social and Economic Supplement).

To learn more about the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, call one of our regional program sites.