Yes, you can get cancer screening without health insurance, and multiple programs across Washington state offer free or low-cost mammograms, cervical cancer screening, and colon cancer screening regardless of your insurance status. Access to early cancer detection shouldn't depend on whether you have a job with benefits, and several organizations are working to make sure it doesn't. Why Does Cancer Screening Matter If You're Uninsured? Catching cancer early, when it can still be treated and even cured, is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing cancer deaths. But without insurance, many people skip preventive screenings because they worry about cost. "Cancer screening is the best tool we have for diagnosing and treating cancer early, and it needs to be available to everyone regardless of insurance status," said Liz Tallent, community health education manager with Fred Hutch Cancer Center's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. The good news: you don't have to choose between your health and your budget. What Free and Low-Cost Screening Programs Are Available? If you live in Washington state, several programs specifically target uninsured and underinsured people. The Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible people based on health insurance status, income, and age. The program focuses on higher-risk and underserved populations, including people ages 40 to 64, those with limited income, and communities that have historically faced barriers to health care. The BCCHP is run by different organizations depending on which county you live in, making it easier to access services in your area: - King County and surrounding areas: Public Health Seattle-King County handles Clallam, Jefferson, King, and Kitsap counties - Puget Sound region: Citrine Health covers Island, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties - Central Washington: Confluence Health covers Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties - Southwest Washington: PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center covers Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties - Eastern Washington: Yakima Health District covers Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties To enroll in the BCCHP, simply contact the organization that runs the program in your county, and they will check your eligibility and help you sign up. How to Access Free Cancer Screening in Your Area Beyond the state program, several other organizations and services can connect you with no-cost or low-cost cancer screening: - Fred Hutch Mammogram Van: A state-of-the-art mobile mammogram clinic that travels throughout the greater Seattle area. Patients can ask about a "sponsored mammogram" when scheduling if they are uninsured or underinsured, and funding is available to cover the cost - 2-1-1 Washington: A free and confidential service that connects you to trained specialists who can provide referrals to no-cost and low-cost cancer screenings in your community. Simply dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Washington state to access over 17,000 resources - Community Health Access Program (CHAP): A telephone assistance program serving King County residents that helps people enroll in health insurance programs like Medicaid and other plans, as well as the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program. Call 1-800-756-5437 for free and confidential help - Lahai Health: A large, free comprehensive primary care clinic serving uninsured people and those living on low incomes in the Puget Sound area. Patients have access to full medical exams, laboratory tests, imaging services, and referrals to medical specialists - FindHelp.org: A national social care network that connects people with local programs for basic needs, including no-cost and low-cost disease screening and prevention services For colorectal cancer screening specifically, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance provides resources and support, including a free screening quiz and financial assistance options. You can visit their website or call their toll-free helpline at 877-422-2030. Who Qualifies for Free Screening Programs? The BCCHP specifically targets populations that have historically had less access to preventive care. Eligibility is based on health insurance status, income, and age, and the program prioritizes people ages 40 to 64, those with limited income, American Indian and Alaska Native communities, Black and African American communities, Hispanic communities, Asian communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who have never or rarely been screened. If you fall into any of these categories, you may qualify for free screening. To learn more about the BCCHP, you can visit the Washington State BCCHP website, download their free brochure, or call 888-438-2247. Seattle-King County residents can find additional information at the Seattle-King County Public Health Department BCCHP website or call 800-756-5437. The bottom line: not having health insurance should never prevent you from getting screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer, or colon cancer. Multiple programs and organizations in Washington state are ready to help you access these life-saving screenings at no cost. If you're uninsured or underinsured, reach out to one of these resources today.
