Breast cancer

Breast cancer can be successfully treated or cured in as many as 98% of cases, when it is detected in the early, localized stages. Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer of women, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age. One goal of the Early Detection Works program is to prevent death from breast cancer by helping women find this cancer in the early, most treatable stages.

For eligible women, Early Detection Works provides:

• For women age 40 to 64, annual clinical breast exams performed by a nurse or physician
• Annual mammograms for women age 50 through 64
• Annual mammograms for women age 40 through 49 who have:
  • A personal history of cancer or
  • A mother, daughter or sister with a history of breast cancer or
  • A lump is found by the nurse performing the breast exam
• Limited services are available for uninsured women under age 40; for information call the toll-free number 1-877-277-1368.

Screening for Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer can be cured or even prevented by regular cervical screenings, which include a pelvic exam by a doctor or nurse and a Pap test. The Pap test is a painless scraping of tissue from the cervix (the opening to the womb), which is then checked for abnormal cells.

For eligible women, Early Detection Works provides:

• For women ages 40 to 64 annual pelvic exams and Pap tests
• After 3 years in a row of normal screenings, Early Detection Works pays for screening every 3 years.
• Limited services are available for uninsured women under age 40; for more information, call toll-free 1-877-277-1368.

What if something is wrong?

If one of your tests shows a problem, the nurse will explain it to you and the Early Detection Works program will pay for other tests needed to make a diagnosis. The nurse will arrange these appointments with you.

What if I need treatment?

Early Detection Works women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions of the breast or cervix will be referred to SRS for Medicaid coverage under the Kansas Breast and Cervical Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000. This special Treatment Act covers Early Detection Works (formerly called "FREE to Know") women who would not otherwise be eligible for Medicaid, who has no health insurance, and who are legal residents of Kansas.