Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  October 1, 2006

End Date:          October 31, 2006

Contact Person:  Dianna LaBonte, R.N., B.S.N.

                              Public Health Nurse Coordinator

Phone:  (810) 257-4571

Re:  Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer ranks second after lung cancer as a cause of death among women in Michigan . According to a report issued by the 2005 Michigan Public Health Institute, Cancer Burden in Michigan, Genesee County is one of three counties in Michigan that has a significantly higher number of deaths due to breast cancer than other areas of the state. Many of these deaths can be prevented. Early detection increases five year survival rates to more than 92%. 

Mammograms can frequently detect cancer two years before a lump can be felt. The Genesee County Health Department recommends yearly breast exams by a clinician and yearly mammograms for women 40 and over. All women ages 20 and over should perform monthly breast self exams.

Access to a life-saving test is simply a phone call away. The Genesee County Health Department has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs (BCCCP) that offers FREE clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram and pap smear to women 40 and over who qualify. If an abnormality is detected, the program will assist with diagnostic procedures. If a woman is currently enrolled in the Breast and Cervical program and the program diagnoses them with breast or cervical cancer, Medicaid may be given to help with treatment. 

The BCCCP is an ongoing program and is for women 40 and over that are uninsured, underinsured and income qualified (i.e., a one person annual household income of $24,500.00 qualifies).  This program is not restricted to Genesee County residents and accepts GHP, Straight Medicaid and Medicare part A only.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for you life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545 .

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