COLUMBIA, S.C. — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is stressing the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and the critical role early diagnosis plays in treatment.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and 42,000 women die from breast cancer each year. Screening facilitates early diagnosis, which is an important factor in preventing deaths from breast cancer.
In South Carolina, 3,742 women died from breast cancer from 2016-2020. During that time, 67% of breast cancers were early-stage diagnoses.
“Early detection saves lives,” said Vinita Leedom, Director of DHEC’s Cancer Programs. “There is a 99% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is caught early. Our programs are committed to helping women access the care they need.”
To help women take control of their health and continue the positive trend in survival rates, DHEC offers free breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings to qualifying women between the ages of 30 and 64 for breast cancer and starting at age 21 for cervical cancer through its Best Chance Network (BCN) program.
DHEC offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who have household incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Limit. Women with insurance also may be eligible to receive services if they meet all of the other eligibility requirements and their insurance has a deductible of $1,000 or more, does not cover screening or diagnostic services at 100% or provides hospitalization coverage only.
The screening includes an office visit at a nearby health care provider, a clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram, Pap test/human papillomavirus (HPV) test, diagnostic testing for women with abnormal screening results, follow-up guidance and support services and educational information about breast and cervical cancer.
Last year, DHEC screened more than 14,000 women for breast cancer through BCN.
Selena Lowery, Director of DHEC’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and BCN, recently discussed the program’s efforts and successes during the Ann Tunky Riley Pink Tea. Hosted by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network every year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event honors cancer survivors and caregivers while also educating legislators, community leaders and advocates in South Carolina.
“It’s important to understand that breast cancer screenings won’t prevent cancer, but it does allow you to enter treatment early, when treatment can be most effective,” Lowery said. “Access to care is key. Through our network of over 450 providers, women who were never or rarely screened for breast cancer are able to get access to regular screenings.”
If you or someone you know may qualify for BCN services, send a brief email to BCNHelp@dhec.sc.gov or call DHEC’s Division of Cancer Prevention Hotline (BCN) at 1 (800) 450-4611.
