Madison Reporter

Every 13 minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, with the lifetime risk increasing by 44% over the past four decades. It remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

“Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, we share statistics to bring awareness to the impact of breast cancer. Each of these numbers represents a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend—whose life could have been saved through early detection,” stated Dawn Henslee, Program Coordinator for Public Health’s Well Woman Program.

The Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) aims to provide eligible women with free breast exams, mammograms, and other diagnostic tests. Eligibility is extended to those without insurance or with insurance that has a high deductible and whose income is at or below 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Women who qualify for WWWP and are diagnosed with breast cancer may also be eligible for Wisconsin Well Woman Medicaid, which covers treatment costs for breast cancer.

“Breast cancer, caught in its early stages, is highly treatable, making routine screenings one of our most powerful tools to saving lives. Knowledge is power. Our goal is to empower women to have the information they need to take control of their health while removing barriers to receiving that care,” Henslee added.

Public Health program staff can assist with questions about breast cancer and program eligibility and help schedule free screening appointments. In the past year, 936 individuals were enrolled in Dane and Rock Counties for free breast screenings at local clinics.

Eligible women can call 608-242-6385 or 608-242-6235 (Spanish) to enroll in the Wisconsin Well Woman Program or email wwwp@publichealthmdc.com. Those residing outside Dane and Rock Counties should call 1-800-722-2295 or visit online to enroll.