Women have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Women are leading full lives with breast cancer as a result of earlier detection through screening tests and exams, as well as improved treatment options. Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of prevention and screening and to promote resources available to Nebraskans.
“If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, please know that you are not alone,” said Charity Menefee, Director of the Division of Public Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “There are more than four million breast cancer survivors in the United States. While breast cancer can happen to anyone – even women who have no risk factors – we know that breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat.”
The CDC recommends that women 50-74 years old who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40-49 years old should talk to their doctors about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
An important resource for Nebraskans is the Every Woman Matters (EWM) program which is a federally funded program that pays for office visits associated with pap tests, pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, lab fees, age-appropriate mammography, and a limited number of diagnostic tests.
You may be eligible for this program if:
- You are a female between 40-74 years old
- You do not have health insurance
- You are a United States citizen or permanent resident
- You fall within this income level
| Household Size | Yearly Income (225% of the Federal Poverty Level) |
| 1 | $0-$32,805 |
| 2 | $0-$44,370 |
| 3 | $0-$55,935 |
| 4 | $0-$67,500 |
| 5 | $0-$79,065 |
| 6 | $0-$90,630 |
The first step to enroll in EWM is filling out the Healthy Lifestyle Questionaire to determine what services are best for you. Be sure to answer all questions to the best of your ability. The questionnaire can be found at: https://cip-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=EXYY8PJF99. After this form has been submitted, you will receive additional information from EMW in the mail.
If you are under the age of 40, you are not eligible for the EWM screening program, but you may be eligible for the EWM Diagnostic Program or the State Pap Plus Program if you need diagnostic services such as diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, breast biopsies, colposcopies, etc. To learn more, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/EWM-Diagnostic-Program.aspx or contact EWM at 800-532-2227.
Preventive health screenings are important. They matter because they allow you to be proactive with your health and help you recognize the early stages of a disease. These screening programs are here for you so you can be there for your family and loved ones. You have more options than you think. Find out more information about Every Woman Matters, the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program, and/or Nebraska Medicaid Expansion/Heritage Health Adult by going to https://preventionmatters.ne.gov/.