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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

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Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) as administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP). The NBCCEDP was created in response to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Act of 1990; Public Law 101-354. The FBCCEDP has been awarded funding by the CDC since 1994. The grant is administered through the central office and 16 lead County Health Department (CHD) regional coordinators manage service provision in the counties across the state to assure statewide access. As one of the lead programs, Putnam serves residents of Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwannee and Union Counties.

Services provided include:
  • Breast and cervical cancer screening exams (clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests) to approximately 5 percent of the at-need population as funding allows.

  • Diagnostic funds are reserved for women screened through the program.

  • Care coordination to all clients with abnormal exams.

  • Women screened through the program and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer are referred to the Florida Medicaid Program for eligibility determination.

  • Paid breast and cervical cancer treatment through Medicaid for eligible women screened through the program.

To see if you qualify, call 386-326-3281 to get more information on the program

Important Facts:

  • Detecting any cancer at an early stage is the key to improved survival and decreased mortality rates.
  • Research indicates that regular mammography and clinical breast exams can reduce breast cancer mortality by 30% among women 50 years and older.
  • Mortality due to cervical cancer is preventable if caught early.
  • Risk of both breast and cervical cancer increases with age.
  • Almost one in five Floridians, or 20% of Florida residents, lack health insurance (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2008 Annual Social and Economic Supplement).

Men Get Breast Cancer Too...

The satistics for Male breast cancer currently, from research is 1 in 100, diagnosed. Men are least likely to report a breast lump to their physicians until it's increased in size and becomes more advanced.

Warning Signs and Possible Indications of Breast Cancer are the same in men as for women:

  • A lump or swelling, which is usually (but not always) painless.
  • Skin changes: dimpling or puckering
  • Nipple retraction (turning inward)
  • Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
  • Discharge from the nipple

These signs do not always indicate cancer. If you have any of the above signs, symptoms or notice any changes, contact your medical practitioner.

Visit American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day for information and support.

A Highlight of some of DOH Putnam's Successes.