The "Why Wait?" Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program provides free clinical breast examination, mammography, pelvic examination and Pap test for women aged 40 and older who are financially eligible. A Pap test and pelvic examination are available to women aged 35 and older. Community education programs on women’s health issues such as: osteoporosis, cardiovascular health, physical exercise, cancer education and prevention are offered.

Frequently Asked Questions about the “Why Wait?” Program

1. Do you have to live in DuPage County?
The program is available only to DuPage County residents. However, many counties in Illinois have a breast and cervical cancer-screening program. To locate a program in another county, call the Illinois Office of Women’s Health – Health Helpline at 1-888-522-1282.

2. If I have Medicare, do I qualify?
Medicare clients with Part B coverage do not qualify for free screening services but should be covered under their Medicare plan. Medicare clients without Part B coverage may be eligible for “Why Wait?” services.

3. If I have health insurance, will I be eligible?
Clients who meet income guidelines and have private insurance are eligible for screening services only if their insurance plan does not cover breast and cervical cancer screening services. Clients with insurance are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier and ask about their benefits.

4. Does a woman have to be a U. S. citizen?
Citizenship status is not considered in the determining eligibility for screening services.

5. What if I am younger than 40 and feel a breast lump?
Women who are under the age of 40 who meet income guidelines and are non-insured are eligible for breast cancer screening services.

6. How do I make an appointment?
Call the Client Registration, Resource & Referral office at (630) 682-7400.

7. Do I have to pay anything?
Screening services are free to program eligible women. Some follow-up procedures are also covered.

8. Are “Why Wait?” clinics at the health department?
Several hospitals participate in the program and the clinics are either at the hospital or a satellite site in the community.

9. What if I don’t have transportation to my appointment?
Clients may be eligible for the DuPage County Paratransit program. Case managers will give you information about this program.

10. What if I don’t speak English?
The health department has an interpreter service and “Why Wait?” case managers will assist you in obtaining the services of an appropriate interpreter.

11. Will I have a female physician?
In many cases, a female physician or healthcare provider will see you, however, male physicians also work for this program.

12. How soon will my results be ready?
This may vary according to each provider’s practice, but generally you will know your results within a few days to 1-4 weeks. If you have a positive result, you will be notified as soon as possible.

13. If something is found, is treatment covered?
The federal Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act provides for Medicaid benefits to uninsured women under the age of 65 who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Case managers will assist a client in applying for these benefits. If a woman is not eligible for Medicaid coverage, she will be assisted in securing needed treatment services.

14. Will you send my results to my own physician?
You will be asked to provide the name and address of your physician and you will need to sign a release. Your records will then be sent to your physician upon your request.