FAQs for Chronic Disease Prevention & Control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is asthma a public health problem?
2. Why is diabetes a public health problem?
3. How do I make an appointment for free breast and cervical cancer screening and what will be done at the appointment?
4. What if something is found on my breast and cervical cancer screening test? I have no health insurance to pay for treatment.
5. I have my own doctor that I go to regularly, but I never have a Pap smear or mammogram. Can I still get a free Pap smear and mammogram?

Questions & Answers:
1. Why is asthma a public health problem?	Back to top
Asthma affects about 15 million people in the US; nearly 5 million are children. There are between 400,000 and 500,000 hospitalizations due to asthma each year. The number of children dying from asthma increased almost threefold from 93 in 1979 to 266 in 1996. Because of asthma, students miss more than 10 million school days each year. The cost of asthma (among adults and children) to the US economy was estimated to be $12.7 billion for 1998.

2. Why is diabetes a public health problem?	Back to top
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the US. It is a leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, lower limb amputation and impotence. Heart disease and stroke are two to four times more common in persons with diabetes. It is estimated that the national health care costs for diabetes were $98 billion in 1997.

3. How do I make an appointment for free breast and cervical cancer screening and what will be done at the appointment?	Back to top
Contact the screening site nearest you to schedule an appointment. Tell them that you are interested in the Let No Woman Be Overlooked Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. You will be asked some questions. If you are eligible, an appointment will be scheduled for you. You will be evaluated to determine your needs for the available services of a pelvic examination, a Pap smear and a breast examination. You will additionally be assessed according to specific medical and age guidelines for your need for a mammogram.

4. What if something is found on my breast and cervical cancer screening test? I have no health insurance to pay for treatment.	Back to top
Screening sites will work with women to provide needed services. Most women with no health insurance who are found to have breast or cervical cancer through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program will be enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid health insurance will cover the costs of treatment.

5. I have my own doctor that I go to regularly, but I never have a Pap smear or mammogram. Can I still get a free Pap smear and mammogram?	Back to top
Yes. When you go to your appointment, let the staff know who your regular doctor is and your records from this appointment will be sent to your doctor's office.