Cancer Services Program

Your partner for cancer screening, support and information

What is the Cancer Services Program (CSP)?

The CSP provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to men and women who:

  • Do not have health insurance or have health insurance that does not cover the cost of these screenings
  • Cannot pay for these screenings
  • Meet income eligibility requirements
  • Meet age requirements
  • Live in New York State

Half of all cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who have not had a Pap test in five or more years.

What cancer screening services are available?

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam

  • Women ages 40 and older
  • Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer*

Cervical Cancer Screening

Pap Test and Pelvic Exam

  • Women ages 40 and older

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Fecal Occult Blood Test/Fecal Immunochemical Test Kit

  • Men and women ages 50 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer

Colonoscopy

  • Men and women at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer*

*Only a New York State-licensed health care provider can determine risk.

Who do I call for a FREE cancer screening or to be connected to other CSP services?

Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to talk to someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week who will connect you to a Cancer Services Program near you. The call is free.

Where are these screening services provided?

Services are provided in local clinics, health centers, doctors' offices, and hospitals in every county and borough in New York State by health care providers participating in the CSP.

What if they find something or I need treatment after the screening?

  • If screening tests find something abnormal, diagnostic (testing) services are available through the CSP for eligible men and women at no cost.
  • If breast, cervical or colorectal cancer is found, eligible men and women may be able to enroll in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program to receive full Medicaid coverage for the entire time they are being treated for cancer.
  • Men diagnosed with prostate cancer by a doctor in this program may be able to enroll in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (the CSP does not pay for prostate cancer screening or diagnostic services).

Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Age 50 or older? Get screened!

Why should I be screened for cancer?

Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer may not always cause symptoms, but there are screening tests that can find these cancers early.

  • The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be screened.
  • All men and women ages 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. If amember of your family has had colorectal cancer, your health care providermay recommend starting screening earlier. Screening tests can find colorectal cancer early.
  • All women are at risk for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early.

Early cancer detection saves lives!

Are there cancer support services and resources available?

Yes. There are organizations throughout New York State that provide services to New Yorkers with cancer and their families. Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find services in your community for:

  • Free or low cost legal assistance to those with cancer and their families - help with finances, wills, custody issues, and more
  • Support groups
  • Genetic counselors who can help assess your cancer risk

Where can I find more information about cancer?

New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program

American Cancer Society (ACS) National Hotline

  • Provides free information and emotional support from trained volunteers anytime before, during, or after treatment. Local chapters are listed in the white pages of your phone book and may be found on the ACS website.
  • 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
  • http://www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Hotline

  • Offers free state-of-the-art information in English or Spanish on treatment, clinical trials, nutrition, advanced cancer, and services in your area.
  • 1-800-422-6237
  • http://www.nci.nih.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention