National & State Program

Breast and Cervical Cancer

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

In June 1990, the U. S. Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990 (Public Law: 101-354) to establish the NBCCEDP, aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality rates of breast and cervical cancers. This legislation was partially the result of advocacy efforts by women's groups and other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), that were concerned about the increasing mortality rates due to these cancers. NBCCEDP provides grants to states to carry out activities in six specific areas.

• Screen medically underserved women for breast & cervical cancer.
• Provide appropriate and timely referrals for treatment and provide follow-up services.
• Provide public information & education to promote regular breast & cervical cancer screening.
• Provide training for health professionals.
• Monitor the quality of screening procedures and interpretation of procedures.
• Evaluate program activities through a surveillance system.

Missouri Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP)

On April 26, 1991, the Missouri Department of Health (MDOH), Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP) submitted its original grant application to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for funding to establish the Missouri Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP).

The Missouri legislature agreed to provide $250,000 from general revenue funds as matching funds for the grant award to support breast and cervical cancer screening and education for low-income Missouri women.

CDC approved Missouri's grant application on January 31, 1992. During the first year of the grant, staff positions were established and filled; the provider guidelines, billing system, and client database were developed; and recruiting of screening providers began.

BCCCP began providing breast and cervical cancer screening services in late December 1992. Our first priority was, and still is, reaching women age 50-64, because they are at greatest risk for developing breast cancer. Since 1992, more than 68,000 Missouri women have received early cancer detection services, which they likely could not afford otherwise.

Annually, providers throughout the state maintain agreements with the BCCCP state office to receive funding for breast and cervical screening and diagnostic services for women who meet the SMHW eligibility guidelines.

Funding for treatment for women diagnosed with cancer or pre-cancer conditions through a paid SMHW screening is available through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) Act, a special Medicaid fund administered through the Department of Social Services.