Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)

HAAP received its first grant from the State of Michigan for its partnership with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). BCCCP is one of the initiatives of the Michigan Department of Community Health that allows low-income women to access cancer screening services. For ten years, HAAP collaborated with BCCCP to ensure greater focus on the health needs of the Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. In total, over 1,300 clients have been recruited for free breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Currently, BCCCP continues to provide free breast screenings for women. The eligibility criteria include:

• Women age 40 years old and over
• Must have low to moderate income
• Must not belong to an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
• Must have no Medicare part B
• Not currently in treatment for breast or cervical cancer

BCCCP offers a wide variety of screening services including:

• Screening Services
  • Annual clinical breast examination
  • Annual Mammogram
  • Annual Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear Test
  • Education about breast and cervical cancer
• Diagnostic Services
  • Diagnostic Mammogram
  • Ultrasound
  • Colposcopy
  • Breast and Cervical Biopsies
  • Counseling about abnormal tests
• Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment
• Beginning October 2001, women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or precancerous lesions through the BCCCP may qualify in Medicaid
• Treatment may include any of the following:
  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Any combination of the above
  • All medical needs until treatment is complete

Statistical Facts of Breast Cancer among Asian Americans

• Cancer is as much a leading cause of death among Asian Americans as in the general U.S. population.
• The breast is a leading cancer site among Asian American women. Women over 40 are at greater risk for developing breast cancer. The risk of cervical cancer also increases with age.
• Regular screenings can help find cancer in its earlier stages.
• 90% of breast cancer and 100% of cervical cancer can be cured if detected & treated early.

HAAP no longer sets up appointments for the BCCCP program; please visit www.michigancancer.org/bcccp for enrollment information.