Frequently asked questions
How can we help you?
I live in a small town in Utah. Are there screening locations throughout the state?
There are over 50 screening sites located throughout the state of Utah. For the site nearest you go to https://cancerutah.org/screening-locations/
I make $50,000 a year with a family size of 3. Would I qualify for this program?
Yes. The Breast & Cervical Cancer Program serves low to moderate income women. According to the income guidelines, you would likely qualify for free cancer screenings. https://cancerutah.org/do-i-qualify/
I was told I’m over income for the program, what are my options now?
Talk to your primary healthcare provider for additional resources. Contact facilities that offer financial assistance. Vouchers or discounted rates may be available through the hospitals and facilities that provide screenings. You can also call 2-1-1.
If I am uninsured, what is the point of having a screening? How will I afford treatment if I receive an abnormal breast or cervical cancer screening result?
Diagnostic services for abnormal results will be covered. Our staff will assist with treatment referrals for breast or cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.
Can I qualify if I am low to moderate income but have health insurance?
You can qualify for our program if you have health insurance. The Breast & Cervical Cancer Program is payer of last resort but can supplement what is not covered by insurance.
I am 50 years old. I have been getting mammograms since I turned 40. All of my scans were good. Do I need to continue to screen?
Yes. Your risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Please continue to get screened regularly.
I have implants and I’m afraid to get a mammogram.
You should still get regular screening mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider. Safe screening is possible with implants. Check with the screening facility when you schedule your appointment.
My family member just got diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m under 40, does that qualify me?
If you are currently having breast symptoms, the Breast & Cervical Cancer Program can cover a clinical exam and mammography imaging recommended by a provider. Screening MRIs are also covered for high risk women
Are mammograms painful?
You may feel pressure from the technologist flattening the breast tissue in order to obtain a good image. You will experience a few seconds of pressure but it should not be painful. If you experience pain, notify your technologist.
Is the radiation harmful?
A small amount of radiation exposure will occur during a mammogram. Radiation exposure can increase the risk of breast cancer over time but the risk is very small. Studies have shown that the benefits of mammography outweigh the risks.
I do not have a family history of breast cancer. Do I still need to get a mammogram?
Yes. Overall, about 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease.
What are the risk factors of breast cancer?
Risk factors you cannot change: age, genetic mutations, reproductive history, dense breasts, person history of breast cancer or disease, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, previous radiation therapy, women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES).
Risk factors you can change: not being physically active, being overweight or obese after menopause, taking hormones, reproductive history, drinking alcohol.
Information is confusing, when should I start getting a mammogram?
If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about getting screened. The American Cancer Society says that women should have the choice to get an annual mammogram beginning at age 40 and recommends that all women at average risk should be screened annually beginning at age 45.
What is a mammogram and why should I get one?
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.
I was adopted, how do I know what my risk factors are?
Family history is only one risk factor. Overall, about 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease.
What is a pap smear/test?
Pap screening, or pap smears, allow for early identification and treatment of abnormal cervical cell before they become cancerous. The pap smear looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cancerous if not treated properly.
If my pap smear/test is "not normal", does this mean I have cancer?
No. If your pap test does NOT come back “normal”, follow-up testing will need to be done in consultation with your healthcare provider.
What is an HPV test?
HPV screening, or the HPV test, looks for the virus that can cause cervical cell changes. There are certain HPV types that can cause cancer, and these are called high-risk types. The high-risk HPV test looks for those types of HPV that have been linked to certain cancers.