Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings in Hawaii

The Hawai'i Department of Health is offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings as part of the Hawai'i Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, targeting women based on specific age, income, and insurance criteria.

With the launch of an online application form, women can now easily verify their eligibility for these crucial screenings. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the department, with eligible participants being notified within five to ten business days. This initiative is bolstered by the "Go and Know" campaign, which promotes mammogram screenings for women starting at age 40, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Raising Awareness and Accessibility

The campaign is particularly significant given that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Hawai'i, with an average of 1,287 new cases and approximately 172 deaths annually. Mammograms serve as a vital tool in detecting breast cancer early, often identifying it up to three years before symptoms present. However, around 25% of women in Hawai'i over 40 have not had a mammogram in the past two years, underscoring a significant gap in preventive care.

The "Go and Know" Campaign

The "Go and Know – Schedule a Mammogram" campaign is a public service effort aimed at reducing this gap by encouraging timely screenings. The campaign, which started in August and runs through November, stresses the critical nature of early detection in saving lives. Women are encouraged to utilize the website to locate mammogram providers, even if they have health insurance, ensuring no one misses the opportunity for timely screening.

"Life can be busy. If you’ve been delaying your mammogram, it’s important to make time. Postponing screening may delay life-saving treatment. When found early, the breast cancer survival rate is more than 90%."

Lola Irvin, Administrator, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division, Hawai'i Department of Health

Key Details of the Screening Program

For insurance professionals, this program highlights the critical role of public health campaigns in ensuring access to preventive care, which can lessen long-term healthcare costs and support customer wellness. Insurers and brokers may see this as an opportunity to engage with clients on the importance of cancer screenings, potentially improving policy uptake for supplementary health insurance products. As the campaign progresses, stakeholders in the insurance industry should monitor participation rates and outcomes as they may influence healthcare strategies and resource allocation in the future.