Home>>Individual Health>>Breast and Cervical Cancer

Breast and Cervical Cancer (BCC) Program

What is the BCC Program?
In 1992, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention provided funds to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement the BCC Program. This program is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

DHS funds county health departments, federally recognized tribes and community-based organizations to provide educational activities and Women's Health Check screening services in Oregon communities. For more information on DHS, and the Oregon BCC program, please visit www.egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/bcc/index.shtml.
Who is Eligible for the BCC Program?
To be eligible for BCC services, a woman must be:
  • Age 50 and above,
  • Uninsured or underinsured,
  • Not eligible for Medicare Part B,
  • Have an income below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Breast and Cervical Cancer (BCC) Program Eligibility Requirements: 2004 Income Guidelines

Family Size:

Monthly Income
not to exceed:
1 1,940.00
2 2,602.00
3 3,265.00
4 3,927.00
5 4,590.00
6 5,253.00
7 5,915.00
8 6,578.00
* Based on 2004 BCC Income Guidelines

What Services are Provided by the BCC Program?
In addition to providing educational materials and promoting early detection throughout the community, the BCC Program is able to provide a free women's health check for women who qualify.

A Women's Health Check May Include
  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • Time to learn about breast self-exam
  • A mammogram
  • A Pap test
  • Time to talk about health concerns

Facts
  • 3,017 NEW cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Oregon in 1997. This represents a 14% increase over 1996 numbers.
  • An estimated 500 women will die of breast cancer in Oregon each year.
  • Through early detection and prompt treatment, deaths might be reduced by as much as a third.
  • An estimated 120 women will be diagnosed with invasive Cervical cancer in Oregon each year.
  • An estimated 40 women will die of Cervical cancer in Oregon each year. The Pap () test, as part of a pelvic examination, is the only method of early detection for Cervical cancer. Since the introduction of the Pap test in the 1950's, the deaths from Cervical cancer has been reduced by 75% in the US.
If you know someone who might qualify for the BCC Program, please call (541) 523-8211 for more information.

Breast Cancer
What you know can help
Learning how to do a Breast Self-Exam could save your life.
How to do a Breast Self-Examination
Used with permission from the National Breast Cancer Foundation website

IN THE SHOWER Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine left breast, left hand for right breast.

Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.
BEFORE A MIRROR Inspect your breasts with arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple. Then rest palm on hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match - few women's breasts do.

 
LYING DOWN Place pillow under right shoulder, right arm behind your head. With fingers of left hand flat, press right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
If you are a woman over 50, call the Baker County Health Department at (541) 523-8211 to see if you qualify for a free mammogram and women's health check.

Interesting Web Sites about Breast Cancer
Breast Self-Exam & Mammography
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
Avon's Breast Cancer Awareness Crusade
http://www.avoncrusade.com/
Breast Cancer Information Clearinghouse
http://www.komen.org/