BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — New York has surpassed the national goal for breast cancer screening for a second year, though new data show many uninsured women remain behind.
According to new data from the NYS Department of Health, an estimated 81.7% of New York women ages 50 to 74 were up to date on breast cancer screenings, exceeding the nationwide goal of 80.3% for the second consecutive year.
The figures also show a gap in access: 41.7% of women without health insurance were up to date with mammograms.
That could become a greater concern if changes to Medicaid and New York’s Essential Plan lead more people to lose coverage.
“The Cancer Services Program of the Southern Tier knows that not everyone has the resources to get lifesaving cancer screenings. This is where our program can help,” said Kiran Sharma, Broome County Health Department outreach coordinator. “We have screened hundreds of people for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in our community and will continue to do so.”
The screening estimates come from the New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual telephone survey that tracks health behaviors and use of preventive services, including mammograms.
New York’s Cancer Services Program offers breast cancer screening to uninsured people age 40 and older, as well as people under 40 who are at high risk.
The program covers further testing when screening results raise concern, according to the Broome County Health Department (BCHD).
People diagnosed with cancer may be able to enroll in the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program, which provides full Medicaid coverage during treatment to those who qualify.
“Finding breast cancer early gives the best chance for successful treatment. We urge you to talk to your health care provider about scheduling a mammogram. If you do not have health insurance or a health care provider, please contact the Cancer Services Program to see how we can help,” Sharma said.
The Cancer Services Program also offers free cervical and colorectal cancer screening to eligible New Yorkers.
For information or to register for a screening event, call the BCHD at 607-778-3900.
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