Ascension Illinois is excited to announce it has launched its Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago in Lakeview. This program, in coordination with the state’s Department of Public Health, ensures that uninsured patients receive free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap/HPV tests.
Regular screenings are a core element to women’s health services and may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable, as well as other conditions like HPV. It is recommended that women keep up-to-date with necessary screenings including Pap smears, breast exams and mammograms, all of which are offered under this no-cost program.
“With how common breast and cervical cancers are, it is imperative that women are able to have low or no-cost access to tests and treatments,” said Christina Briseno, Women's Health Program Supervisor at Saint Joseph. “Early detection through screening often leads to better treatment options and results, so the more women we can help through this program, the healthier our communities will be.”
As part of the program’s holistic approach, it also offers transportation assistance including free public transportation journeys through the CTA for appointments and gift vouchers for rideshare services. Additionally, the women’s health program provides multi-lingual guidance through the health navigation process, and it typically ensures that women are scheduled for their screenings and tests the same day they come in to complete the application process for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Program.
According to the National Institutes of Health, annual mammography prevents over 2,000 breast cancer deaths a year among women diagnosed in their 40s in the United States. Regarding cervical cancer, The American Cancer Society found that when cancer is identified and removed at the local stage, there is a 92% survival rate, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Latest data suggests that Chicago’s rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are greater than national averages, sitting at 39% and 60% higher respectively. These data points emphasize our area’s need for more robust testing and screening services, especially for those who are already economically disadvantaged.
In addition to the Women's Health Program’s offering for uninsured patients, they are also available to all women’s health patients who may need navigation services during their healthcare journey. These services include aiding patients in scheduling and maintaining all of their appointments, follow-up visits, screenings and re-screenings. This team removes many of the barriers and confusion during the healthcare process by coordinating care and providing education to any who may need it.
To learn more about Ascension’s cancer care in Illinois, visit the website, or call (773) 665-3759 to reach the Women’s Health Program at Saint Joseph directly.
