About Breast and Cervical Health

Understand the importance of early screening

Risk Factors

Your risk for breast and cervical cancer is due to a combination of factors. You can’t control some risk factors, like getting older. But you can control many others. In fact, there are things you can do every day to avoid getting cancer. Learn more about breast cancer risk factors and cervical cancer risk factors.

Screening For Early Detection

Cancer screening can find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment works best. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends breast cancer screening (a mammogram) every 2 years for women 40 to 74 years old at average risk for breast cancer. Cervical cancer screening should be done starting at age 21 to help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. Over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer, can be prevented with the HPV Vaccination. HPV vaccines work best when given at age 9, before contact with the HPV virus.

Maine Breast & Cervical Health Screening Program & Treatment Act

The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) is a free program that provides life-saving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible Maine women. The screening program covers services like mammograms and Pap tests. MBCHP can also help uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer apply for coverage under the Maine Treatment Act.

MBCHP Screening Program

MBCHP is funded by federal and state resources to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates in Maine. With a focus on evidence-based strategies and systems change, the MBCHP aims to increase screening rates in specialized populations. MBCHP has served more than 29,000 women in Maine. The program has funded over 80,000 mammograms and more than 51,000 Pap tests. As an early screening initiative, the program has led to the diagnosis of breast cancer (CIS/DCIS/Invasive) in 652 women in Maine, and 10 women have been diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. With breast cancer being the leading cancer among women in Maine, getting screened for breast cancer now can reduce your risk of dying from this disease. Early detection allows breast and cervical cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is most successful in lowering the risk of dying.

The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program’s (MBCHP) mission is to reduce barriers and increase accessibility to breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for eligible Maine women. MBCHP provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostics to eligible women for services such as:

Breast Exams
Pelvic Exams (Internal)
Pap and/or HPV Tests
Mammograms (breast X-rays)
Diagnostic or Follow-up Services

We collaborate with a network of healthcare providers that offer screening and diagnostic services at various healthcare sites, including community health centers, hospitals, and physician offices throughout Maine. When you enroll, you will be asked to choose from a drop-down menu of our provider network. You can also see our complete list of providers here: MBCHP Provider Network.

Residency: Must be a Maine resident or a New Hampshire resident within 15 miles of the Maine border
Income: Individuals at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Our program has a higher allowable income than many programs. Many who are not eligible for programs like MaineCare will often qualify for MBCHP. Income is self-reported, and no documentation is required for enrollment.
Age: Individuals 21-64 years old and 65 or older who do not have Medicare Part B
Insurance: Individuals who have insurance are still eligible for MBCHP. Individuals with FULL MaineCare coverage are not eligible for MBCHP; however, those with limited MaineCare coverage are eligible, including:
- Emergency Services Only
- Limited Family Planning Benefit
- Spenddown coverage
- Maine Rx

Applying for the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Screening Program is fast and easy! You can apply online with our quick and easy mobile-friendly online application, call our Toll-Free Line, or fill out a paper application.

Online Enrollment Application
Visit: https://redcap.link/MBCHP_Application
Or Scan the QR Code

MBCHP Toll-Free Line 1-800-350-5180 TTY 711
Call and speak to someone on our MBCHP Team. We are always available to help you determine eligibility and enroll in the program.
MBCHP Printable Paper Application

Clients must re-enroll each year. MBCHP mails re-enrollments to clients annually, but you can also re-enroll using the easy online enrollment application.

Online Enrollment Application
Visit: https://redcap.link/MBCHP_Application
Or Scan the QR Code