Every year, thousands of women in North Carolina are diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the state.
Mammograms are critical for detecting cancer in its early stages, which increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast, used to detect tissue changes that may indicate cancer before symptoms appear.
Women between the ages of 45 and 54 should have an annual mammogram, while those over 55 can choose to have one every two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society.
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Mammograms, detecting cancer in early stages
Regular mammograms help detect cancer at early stages, which is associated with a nearly 99% survival rate when the cancer has not spread outside the breast.
In North Carolina, one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.
Because of this high risk, it is essential that all women, regardless of race or ethnicity, access regular screening to increase the chances of early diagnosis.
For women with no health insurance or limited resources living in Western North Carolina, there are several options for accessing free or low-cost mammograms.
Below is a detailed list of these alternatives available in the region:
1. North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics – Zona oeste
Western North Carolina’s free and charitable clinics provide crucial access to mammograms and other diagnostic services through their hospital partners.
Although many of these clinics do not perform mammograms directly, enrolled patients may be referred to local hospitals that partner with the clinics to provide these services free or at low cost.
Importantly, these clinics do not require a Social Security number or citizenship documentation, and provide care to all women, regardless of immigration status.
To access these benefits, it is necessary to register as a patient at the clinic, since services such as mammograms are only available to those who are registered.
Some of the clinics offering this type of care in the region include: ABCCM Doctors Medical Clinic in Buncombe County, The Free Clinics in Henderson County, Community Care Clinic in Watauga County, and Helping Hands Clinic in Caldwell County.
For more information, please consult the regional map of free clinicsboth in the west and in the rest of the state.
And here is a Complete list of all free clinics in North Carolina.
2. Programa BCCCP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program)
Location: Several counties in western North Carolina. They may check here.
Services: The BCCCP program offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who meet certain age and income criteria.
This program is available at participating clinics in several counties including Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, and others.
In addition, it was reported that Blue Ridge Community Health Services is the lead program partner in the Western Region, covering Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties.
The BCCCP prioritizes low-income women (at or below 250% of the federal poverty level) who have not been screened in the past year and are between the ages of 40 and 64. It also focuses on populations disproportionately affected by cancer, including ethnic minorities, in order to achieve greater health equity.
Requirements to be eligible:
- Being uninsured or underinsured
- Not having Medicare Part B or Medicaid
- Be between 40 and 64 years old for breast cancer screening services, or between 21 and 64 years old for cervical cancer screening services
- Have family income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
Contact: Call your local health department or the BCCCP information line: 1-800-662-7030.
3. Buncombe County Public Health Department Clinics
Location: Asheville, NC
Services: The Buncombe County Public Health Department offers free or low-cost mammograms to qualified women as part of its cancer prevention programs.
Contact: (828) 250-5000
4. Mission Health Breast Center
Location: Asheville, NC
Services: Mission Health Breast Center participates in special programs that offer free or low-cost mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women.
Contact: (828) 213-2500
Website: missionhealth.org
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