Well Woman HealthCheck Program
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Overview
The Well Woman HealthCheck Program (WWHP) was established in 1993 as part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Arizona, the WWHP is part of the Bureau of Health Systems Development at the Arizona Department of Health Services. The program began screening women for breast and cervical cancer in 1995, and has provided over 73,595 mammograms and 40,563 pap tests. We have diagnosed 891 breast cancer cases, 39 invasive cervical cancer cases, and 348 cases of precancerous cervical lesions since the start of the program through the end of June 2011.
The program helps low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women gain access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services, including: clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap tests, and pelvic exams. Diagnostic testing is such as ultrasounds, biopsies, other tests are also avialable, if screening results are abnormal. Referrals are made for treatment as necessary.
In addition, women diagnosed with cancer through the Well Woman HealthCheck Program may be able to receive comprehensive treatment through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program as provided by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Women that are diagnosed outside of the Well Woman HealthCheck Program are NOT eligible to receive treatment through the BCCTP.
When possible, Well Women HealthCheck participants are also enrolled in the FIT at Fifty HealthCheck program so that women that qualify for both programs are screened for colon cancer as well.
History
For the first nine years of the program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were the sole funding source for the WWHP. In 2003, the program was approved by the State legislature to receive funds from the State of Arizona, enabling the program to increase the number of women screened by nearly one-third. The Well Woman HealthCheck Program also receives a percentage of the renewal fees associated with the Pink Ribbon/Cancer Awareness License Plate through the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles to support screening and diagnostic services.
More information on the program's framework and history can be found on the NBCCEDP website, in addition to supplemental data on breast and cervical cancer screening results and outcomes for women served through the program.
