Health Department working to protect women's health

DUPAGE COUNTY — The DuPage County Health Department works on a daily basis to help women protect themselves against the most common threats to their health, including breast cancer, cervical cancer and heart disease. Early detection and regular testing are the best defenses against these threats.

The Health Department offers two important programs to women who are underinsured or have no health insurance. The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), provided in part through grant funding received from the Illinois Department of Public Health, offers free screenings to detect breast cancer or cervical cancer, both of which have better treatment results if detected early.

All uninsured DuPage County women between the ages of 40 and 64 can receive free breast cancer screenings, and uninsured women between 35 and 64 can receive free cervical cancer screenings. Younger women with symptoms may also qualify. Women who need treatment may qualify for free or low-cost treatment. Even women who have already been diagnosed with cancer may receive free or low-cost treatment through this program.

The Illinois WISEWOMAN Program offers free screenings which help women reduce their risk of heart disease. It is only open to women already enrolled in IBCCP and who meet income guidelines.

WISEWOMAN offers free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings, as well as providing information about heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases to eligible women ages 40 to 64 and who are underinsured or have no insurance and live in participating counties, including DuPage County.

By becoming aware of heart disease and its risk factors, women can stop heart disease. Eating healthy and being active contribute to healthy living. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps. For help, please call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1 (866) QUIT-YES.

Applications for IBCCP are available online at the DuPage County Health Department's website: www.dupagehealth.org/womens-health or you can obtain an application packet at the Health Department's Public Health Centers in Addison, Lombard, Westmont, West Chicago and Wheaton.

For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.

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