California Department of Public Health Announces Changes to the NCCC-operated Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts Call Center

New Enrollments for Breast Cancer Screening Services Suspended until July 1, 2010

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton released a statement in December to announce a significant change to the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts program, which refers qualifying low income and medically under-served women to free breast and cervical cancer screening. NCCC operates the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts consumer 800 number call center. This program is primarily supported by the state tobacco revenues. However, the State has supplemented it with short-term funding due to increasing demand for services, and now those supplemental funds are vulnerable to state budget problems. As a result, the State has now made changes to the Every Woman Counts program.

The statewide consumer 800 number for the program is still operating at NCCC, and we will continue to take calls at 800-511-2300 from women wishing to receive breast and cervical screening. There is no change to cervical cancer screening services and women can still be prequalified and receive cervical screening. However, all new enrollments for breast cancer screening services will be suspended until July 1, 2010, as required by the State. 

If a woman has already enrolled in the program and is age 50 or over, she can continue to receive breast cancer screening services. If a woman age 40 to 49 has already enrolled in the program, was screened for breast cancer prior to January 1, 2010, and had an abnormal result, she will receive follow-up services until a final diagnosis and a referral to treatment, if needed. Women who are age 50 or over but not already enrolled in the program can call back after July 1 to find out if they can receive services.

Women who are not eligible for services through this program should still call 800-511-2300 to receive referrals to alternative resources.

As California continues to struggle with budget deficits, state programs remain vulnerable to further cuts. Our staff at NCCC is committed to maintaining a high level of service through this program and will continue to operate its call center with limited services.

Click here to read statement on the recent changes from CDPH Director Dr. Mark Horton

Click here for more information on the Every Woman Counts program at NCCC