Free onsite cancer screenings for women. It’s how we keep each other well.

You are the backbone of your family, the caregiver to your neighborhood, the one who makes it a priority to be there for everyone else. We know your days are full of juggling schedules, remembering details, and taking care of all the people who mean something to you. 

You matter so much to so many. And your wellness matters to us.

Near North Health is now a lead agency of the Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), equipped with advanced technology and specifically designed to make essential cancer screenings accessible, simple, and stress-free for the women in our community. 

Because when we catch cancer early, we save lives. 

Most women in Chicago will qualify for free screenings – call 773-451-0720 or email us at ibccp@nearnorthhealth.org to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are likely to qualify if:

  • You are a woman living in Illinois
  • You have no insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover breast and cervical cancer screening
  • You are between the ages of 21* and 64

*younger women may be eligible in some cases

Screenings can detect possible cancer early – long before you might feel symptoms. And when we catch cancer early, the odds of treating it successfully are MUCH higher. It’s one of the best tools we have to help keep you well. That’s why we’ve worked hard to make sure these screenings are easily accessible to women in our community.

Your screenings will take place at the Family Health Center at Oakwood Shores – 3753 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60653. We are one of the few no-insurance-required healthcare centers to offer these screenings onsite! 

The Family Health Center at Oakwood Shores is easily accessible by CTA, and there’s plenty of parking available.

If your screenings reveal something that needs treatment, your care team will work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs. There is financial assistance available for many possible treatment options.

The center has been completely renovated, featuring advanced screening technology and a modernized waiting area and dressing rooms. 

We offer 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis), an FDA-approved imaging test that captures multiple low-dose breast images from different angles, creating 1-mm thin, 3D slices. This technique, which takes 10–15 minutes, significantly improves cancer detection—especially in dense breast tissue—and reduces false-positive callbacks.

Our trusted providers also offer pelvic exams and Pap tests, which can identify any abnormal changes that could develop into cervical cancer.

Please bring the following:

  • Your ID (State ID, Driver’s License, Passport, or Matricula)
  • Proof of Residency (An electric or gas bill or bank statement)
  • One month’s worth of pay stubs or your most recent income tax return. 

Have questions? Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through the process to qualify.

IBCCP helps women get the breast and cervical cancer screenings and care they need — no matter their income or insurance status. Near North Health is honored to be a lead agency for the program. 

The IBCCP is run by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IBCCP works with doctors, clinics, and community partners across the state to provide screenings, diagnosis, and treatment to thousands of women every year.

Our goal is simple: find cancer early and connect women to care. The IBCCP is committed to removing barriers, treating every woman with respect, and improving health outcomes for all Illinois communities.

Learn more at the IDPH website.

You’ll also find additional information at CDC website.

To find out if you qualify (and most women will!) and schedule your appointment, call 773-451-0720 or email us at ibccp@nearnorthhealth.org  today.

An appointment is required to participate in our free screenings program.

To learn more about Women’s Health Services at NNH, click here.