Free Cancer Screenings

Cancer Services Program
of Cortland and Tompkins Counties


Simple Tests Could Save Your Life!

Lack of insurance shouldn't keep you from being screened for cancer.

You may qualify for a free cancer screening.

And, if cancer is found, you may be eligible for treatment at no cost to you.


Services offered

  • Colorectal Cancer Screenings for both men and women 50 and older
  • Mammograms for women 40 and older
  • Clinical Breast Exams for women 40 and older
  • Pap/Pelvic Exams for women 40 and older


1. Breast Cancer

Why are yearly screenings important?

  • They detect cancer early
  • Mammograms detect cancer too small for you or your doctor to feel during breast exams
  • Mammograms and clinical breast exams help you keep healthy

A women is eligible for screening if she:

  • is 40 or older
  • is not currently in treatment for breast or cervical cancer
  • is under 40 and has a family history of breast cancer
  • does not have insurance
  • has insurance but it does not cover these tests
  • has a high insurance deductible

Breast cancer and you: What you need to know


2. Cervical Cancer

Why are screenings important?

  • Pap tests detect cervical cancer
  • HPV causes 70% of all cervical cancers
  • If found early, cervical cancer cancer be successfully treated

A women is eligible for screening if she:

  • is 40 or older
  • is not currently in treatment for breast or cervical cancer
  • is under 40 and has a family history of breast cancer
  • does not have insurance
  • has insurance but it does not cover these tests
  • has a high insurance deductible

Learn more about cervical cancer

3. Colorectal Cancer

Why are screenings important?

  • Colorectal cancer is preventable
  • Colorectal cancer often starts with no symptoms
  • When colorectal cancer is detected in the early stages, there is a 90% 5 year survival rate
  • Starting at age 50, men and women should begin colorectal screening

What screenings are used to detect colorectal cancer?

  • FIT Kit - easy take-home screening fit
  • Colonoscopy - for those at high or increased risk

A man or woman is eligible for colorectal screening if he or she:

  • is 50 or older
  • does not have insurance
  • has insurance but it does not cover colorectal cancer tests
  • has a high insurance deductible
  • if under age 50, he or she may be eligible for colorectal screening if there is a family history of cancerous polyps or colorectal cancer

For more information, contact:

In Tompkins County

Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes
607-277-0960

In Cortland County

Cortland County Health Department
Health Education Division
607-758-5523 

Click here for more information about the
New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program.

Remember: Early Detection is Your Best Protection