Early detection saves lives. Cancer can sometimes be found through special tests called screenings. These tests help doctors find cancer early—when it is easier to treat and when treatment can make the biggest difference.
The WISH Cancer Screening Program at DC Health provides free screenings and support for people without or limited insurance who live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
Our services include:
- Free breast cancer tests
- Free cervical cancer tests
- Free colon cancer tests
- Additional tests if needed
- Guidance from a patient navigator
- Free rides to appointments
Call to Action:
Take charge of your health today, schedule a screening.
- Call (202) 442-5900
- Visit The Wish webpage
- Email: [email protected]
- Refer yourself to the program
Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in US and occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way.
How is breast cancer found?
- Breast cancers can be found during a series of tests, also called screenings, performed by health care professionals.
- Screening is critical to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable.
- Generally, a provider will do a clinical breast examination followed by a mammogram.
- Further tests may be done if anything abnormal is found.
What is a clinical breast examination?
- A physical exam of the breast performed by a health care provider to check for lumps or other changes.
- This exam is usually done every year during your physical examination.
What is a mammogram?
- A mammogram is a special picture of the breast.
- To take the picture your health care provider will place your breast between two x-ray plates.
- For less than a minute there may be a little discomfort as the image is captured.
- The x-ray from the mammogram does not cause cancer.
Who is eligible to have a breast cancer screening?
- Women age 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
- Women who are at higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.
Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
- Cervical cancer occurs when the cells lining the cervix begin to grow in an uncontrolled way.
- Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex.
How is cervical cancer found?
Cervical cancer can be found with screening tests. Screening is critical to detect cervical cancer early when it is most treatable.
If you are 21-29 years:
- You should start getting Pap tests. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 3 years until your next Pap test.
If you are 30-65 years old:
Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
- An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 5 years until your next screening test.
- An HPV test along with a Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 5 years until your next screening test.
- A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 3 years until your next Pap test
Colorectal cancer
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in men and women in the United States. In the District, it is the 4th leading site of cancer deaths.
What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Colorectal cancer screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms. It can help find cancer at an early stage and may decrease the number of deaths from the disease. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—that can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Five types of tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer:
- Fecal occult blood test
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy
- DNA stool test
Who should be screened?
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45.
- If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, learn your family health history and ask your doctor when screening should begin and what test is best for you. Your doctor may recommend screening earlier if:
- You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
At the early stage, colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms. Therefore, getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is very important.
Symptoms may include:
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Persistent stomach pain, aches, or cramps
- Unexpected weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor.
Local Resources:
- DC Health Link: Affordable healthcare coverage program in accordance with Affordable Care Act for DC residents. All D.C. residents can access medical insurance to pay for the cost of preventative cancer screenings.
- LinkU: Comprehensive platform to identify medical care, food, and housing resources in the DC Metropolitan area.
- DC Quit Now: Offers no-cost programs, medications, and tips from former DC smokers that can help you stay tobacco-free.
- DC Cancer Coalition: Join this group of non-profits, health systems, academia, and government agencies in supporting the DC Cancer Control Plan.
- DC Cancer Control Plan (PDF)
National Resources:
American Cancer Society: Focused on cancer research, advocacy and policy, education, prevention, and resources for patient support.
Center for Disease Control: Supports the National Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program.
National Cancer Institute: Focused on cancer research and training.