The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Celebrates New ‘Direct Access’ to Free Treatment for Breast Cancer in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) is thrilled to announce new direct access to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment (BCCPT) program thanks to the extraordinary efforts of both the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. The BCCPT program provides FREE Treatment to uninsured and underinsured Pennsylvania women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, with direct access, more women are able to receive the treatment they need through the FREE Treatment program.

A press conference will be held in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:15 a.m. to salute those involved with putting the direct access system into place. Scheduled to speak at this event are Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder, PBCC; Estelle Richman, Secretary, PA Department of Public Welfare; and Janice Kopelman, Acting Deputy Secretary, PA Department of Health.

“No woman with breast cancer should be denied treatment — regardless of their income or insurance situation,” said Halpin-Murphy. “Thanks to direct access, qualified women in Pennsylvania will be provided with greater accessibility to this free service and will receive the treatment they desperately need.”

Previously, women interested in entering into the BCCPT program were required to have one consultation through the PA Department of Health’s HealthyWoman Program. Now, with direct access, women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, even outside of the HealthyWoman network, are put directly into the FREE Treatment program.

“Direct access allows the paperwork to make the trip, not the woman,” said Halpin-Murphy.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and unique outreach initiatives. The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization that creates the hope of a brighter tomorrow by providing action and information to women with breast cancer today. For more information on the PBCC, call 1-800-377-8828 x106 or visit http://www.pabreastcancer.org/.

CONTACT: Sarah Lightman, Director of Communications, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, 717-721-2580 ext 107

Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition

CONTACT: Sarah Lightman, Director of Communications, Pennsylvania BreastCancer Coalition, +1-717-721-2580 ext 107

Web Site: http://www.pabreastcancer.org/