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Texas has "valuable programs" for uninsured low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, according to A. Marilyn Leitch, MD, chair of TMA's Physician Oncology Education Program (POEP). Dr. Leitch says the programs provide for screening, treatment, education, and resources. And, she adds, POEP offers educational opportunities about cancer for physicians.
Eligible women with breast cancer, for example, can receive low- or no-cost clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pelvic examinations, and Pap tests through the Texas Department of State Health Services' Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program. There are more than 240 BCCS clinics in Texas. They can be found on the BCCS Web site.
To qualify, women must be:
- At or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level as defined by BCCS policy;
- Uninsured; and
- Aged 18 to 64.
For more information, e-mail Outreach Coordinator Gina Lawson or call her at (512) 458-7111, ext. 6347.
The Health and Human Services Commission's Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer (MBCC) program provides breast and cervical cancer treatment. Women diagnosed by a physician can be referred to the MBCC program. BCCS clinics help patients complete the MBCC application.
To qualify for this program, women must be:
- Diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer as defined by BCCS policy;
- At or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level as defined by BCCS policy;
- Uninsured;
- Under age 65;
- A Texas resident; and
- A U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
Additional information is on the MBCC Web site.
Dr. Leitch added that POEP offers continuing medical education (CME) to primary care physicians on cancer-related topics, including a performance-improvement project for breast cancer screening and the human papillomavirus vaccine for cervical cancer prevention. In addition, POEP's Speakers' Bureau sends cancer experts across the state to make educational presentations to requesting groups. Many of the lectures are accredited for CME.
Visit the POEP Web site for more information.
Action, Oct. 16, 2008
Last Published: 10/16/2008 Print this page
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