November 27, 2001

(Springfield, IL) - As chair of Women's Health Illinois and Lt. Governor of Illinois, Corinne Wood today announced the award of $5.25 million in grants to health departments and health care providers to expand programs offering free or reduced costs for mammograms and other health care services.

"I was one of the lucky ones, I survived this potentially fatal disease", said Lt. Governor Corinne Wood. "We know that with early detection, breast cancer is 96% treatable and every woman diagnosed with this disease deserves affordable treatment."

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (IBCCP), which is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, began in 1995 as a pilot project in DuPage, Lake and Peoria counties. Lt. Governor Corinne Wood was instrumental in doubling the funding for the Office of Women's Health, resulting in the 1999 expansion of the program from 54 counties to all 102 counties in Illinois. The program is funded through a combination of state and federal funds -- $2 million from the state and $3.25 million from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The money is distributed through 23 agencies across the state that work with local medical providers.

"Public education, provider interaction and outreach efforts have played a significant role in the past success of this program," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "Our community partners have successfully reached medically under-served women with information about the importance of early detection and provided them with appropriate follow-up services."

In May, the Illinois General Assembly passed new legislation -- the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act -- that enables women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the IBCCP and who meet eligibility guidelines to receive treatment benefits through the Medicaid system. "

For too long, women were given the devastating news they had cancer but there was no money for treatment," said Lt. Governor. Corinne Wood, a breast cancer survivor. "With this grant money and the new legislation, not only will we be able to offer critical services to diagnose breast and cervical cancer, but also to provide treatment to low-income women."

The screening program targets women 40 years of age and older who have limited incomes and are either uninsured or underinsured. "We know that routine breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment can substantially improve a woman's chances of surviving these life-threatening diseases," Governor Ryan said. "Through these grants, we expect to serve 14,800 women this year who otherwise might not be able to afford this preventative health care."

To be eligible, individuals must have an income at or less than 200 percent less of the federal poverty level, which is $17,180 a year for a single-person household.

One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime and more than 2,000 women in Illinois are expected to die this year from breast cancer. In addition, an average of 730 women a year in Illinois learn they have invasive cervical cancer and 210 die annually from the disease.

It is recommended that all women perform a monthly breast self-examination and receive an annual clinical breast examination; women 40 years of age and older also should have a yearly mammogram.

Women should check with their primary care provider about how frequently they should get a Pap smear. Recommendations are based on clinical findings, history of risk factors and appropriate standards of care.

For information about obtaining a free screening through the program, individuals should contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 888-522-1282 (voice) or 217-557-3326 (fax).