ILLINOIS (WCIA) — On Monday, WCIA 3 turned pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Our aim is to raise awareness and highlight the stories of survivors, as well as insights from researchers and other medical experts.

Data shows breast cancer is the most common cancer in women…But early detection can save lives. That’s where mammograms machines come in.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to insurance for screenings. However, the Department of Public Health has a program designed to close this gap.

Currently, over 23,000 women are part of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP). The department collaborates with 28 medical agencies statewide to facilitate this. For three decades, they’ve provided mammograms to uninsured women in need.

“As a woman, a mother, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, and friend, I want to empower women to make informed health decisions and support them in pursuing screenings,” said Phallisha Curtis, Chief of Women’s Health Services at IDPH.

Beyond mammograms, this statewide initiative also links women to other screenings that help detect cervical cancer. According to the CDC, approximately 13,000 new cases of this disease are diagnosed annually in the U.S.

To enroll in IBCCP, call the Women’s Health Line at 888-522-1282. You can also contact your local IBCP agency and schedule an appointment.