The Ohio Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) began in Ohio in 1994. Its mission is to provide screening and early detection of breast and cervical cancer to eligible women throughout the state.  The goal of the BCCP is to detect the cancers in women at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective and to improve access to breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income women.

The Noble County Health Department houses the Southeastern Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project which serves the following 19 counties in Southeastern Ohio (Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington).

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

• Age 21 and older
• 300% or below of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Uninsured or Underinsured
• Ohio resident

SCREENING TESTS

There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early.  The pap test (Pap Smear) which looks for abnormal or precancer cells on the cervix that can change and become cancer if not treated.  The other one is HPV test.  This test looks for HPV- (Human Papillomavirus).

If you are over the age of 21 you should routinely get screened for cervical cancer.

Precancerous cervical cell changes and early cancers of the cervix generally do not cause symptoms. For this reason, regular screening through Pap and HPV tests can help catch precancerous cell changes early and prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Possible symptoms of more advanced disease may include abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, or vaginal discharge. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience:

Abnormal bleeding, such as
Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Bleeding after douching
Bleeding after a pelvic exam
Bleeding after menopause
Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle
Heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odor
Increased urinary frequency
Pain during urination

These symptoms could also be signs of other health problems, not related to cervical cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms above, talk to a healthcare provider.

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of cancers later in life.  You can protect your child from ever developing these cancers with the HPV Vaccine at ages 11-12.

These types of infections are common, so common that nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.

HPV can spread through intimate skin to skin contact through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Some HPV infections can lead to cancer. Most will go away on their own within 2 years.  But, sometimes HPV infections will last longer. HPV infections can cause cervical, vagina and vulva cancers in women.  Penis cancer in men.  HPV can cause anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue, tonsils in both men and women.

Every year in the United States, HPV is estimated to cause nearly 35,000 cases of cancer in men and women.

PREVENT CANCER WITH THE HPV VACCINE

CDC recommends all boys and girls get two doses of the HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12. HPV vaccination can be started at age 9. For the HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should be given prior to exposure to HPV. HPV vaccine is recommended at ages 11 to 12 to ensure children are protected long before they are ever exposed to the virus.

Please give us a call at 1-800-236-6253 and we can get you more information on how to get the HPV vaccine.

You can visit the CDC site and learn more about the HPV Vaccine.

HELP PAYING FOR THE HPV VACCINE

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccines. The program provides vaccines at no cost to children ages 18 years and younger who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native. To learn more, see VFC program.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

• Age 21-39 with a physician report abnormality or other factors
• Age 40 and older
• 300% or below of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Uninsured or Underinsured
• Ohio resident

This program is funded by the Ohio Department of Health / Federal Government Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction / Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project.

MAMMOGRAM

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. At this time, a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer for most women.

CLINICAL BREAST EXAM

A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.

BREAST SELF-AWARENESS

Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam. You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider.

Having a clinical breast exam or doing a breast self-exam has not been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

People have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.

Some warning signs of breast cancer are—

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.  If you do not have a doctor please give us a call at 1-800-236-6253 and we can help find you one.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS? 

All women enrolled in the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) must have an income that is equal to or lower than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Income is defined by the BCCP as gross salary and wages, tips, alimony, child support, public assistance, disability, unemployment, Social Security, SSI, interest, retirement fund checks and pension. Household is defined by the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project as the woman, her legal spouse and any dependents.

WHAT IF I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE WITH A HIGH DEDUCTIBLE OR NO MAMMOGRAM COVERAGE? 

The Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) provides screenings for women who have no health insurance or are underinsured.

WHAT KIND OF SCREENINGS ARE PROVIDED? 

Cervical Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Services

• Age 21 and older
• 300% or below of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Uninsured or Underinsured
• Ohio resident

Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Services

• Age 21-39 with a physician report abnormality or other factors
• Age 40 and older
• 300% or below of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Uninsured or Underinsured
• Ohio resident

HOW DO I ENROLL? 

Call 740-732-4958 or 1-800-236-6253 for a 10 minute telephone interview. Once enrolled you will receive in the mail a packet of information about the BCCP including a consent form that must be signed and returned before services begin. 

CAN YOU HELP PAY FOR MY HEALTH CARE BILLS? 

The project pays only for approved screenings and you must be qualified and enrolled before services begin. All Services must be scheduled by project staff in order to qualify for payment.