Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidelines.

SMHW began in 1992, and is Missouri’s implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). SMHW is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several national, regional and local partner organizations. There are provider locations throughout the state, including local public health agencies, federally qualified health centers, hospitals, private physician offices and not for profit health centers.

Screening Services Provided: Clinical breast exams (CBE), Screening mammograms for women age 50-64, Screening mammograms for women 40-49 using donated funds (if available), Pap tests, and Pelvic exams.

Diagnostic Services Provided: Specialist consultation (breast and cervical), Diagnostic mammograms, Ultrasound, Fine needle aspiration, Cold knife conization (diagnostic purposes), Breast biopsies, Loop electrode biopsy (LEEP), and Colposcopy (with or without biopsy).

Cervical Cancer Screenings for Women who have had a Hysterectomy: Due to cervical cancer or dysplasia are eligible for CBE, pelvic examination and Pap test, or due to any reason other than cervical cancer or dysplasia are eligible for one Pap test and pelvic examination to determine the absence or presence of the cervix, or due to conditions other than cervical cancer or dysplasia and the cervix is absent are eligible for a CBE.

Age Guidelines: Women Age 21-64 are eligible for cervical cancer screening services, clinical breast exam (CBE) and diagnostic follow-up for abnormal results. Women Age 40-64 are eligible for breast and cervical cancer screening services, clinical breast exam (CBE) and diagnostic follow-up for abnormal results. Women Over Age 64 who do not have Medicare Part B may also receive services through the program.

Income Guidelines: Clients must have a household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Adjusted gross income on tax return or net amount on pay stub determines income eligibility.

Women with MO HealthNet, Medicare Part B or HMO health coverage are not eligible for SMHW.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call the Barry County Health Department at 417-847-2114. We are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Publisher’s note: This article is courtesy of Barry County Health Department, located at 90 Barry County Drive in Cassville. The Department may be reached at 417-847-2114.