Free breast and cervical cancer screenings break down barriers

Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cervical Cancer, , ,

For many people across King County, especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating care in another language, getting a cancer screening can feel intimidating. Worries about cost, discomfort, or communication barriers often lead people to delay routine mammograms and Pap/HPV tests that can detect cancer early.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re taking a moment to remind people that free, in‑language breast and cervical cancer screenings are available through Public Health – Seattle & King County and our community partners. We come together from across the region to make preventive care accessible to everyone. A recent collaboration shows what that looks like in practice.

Culturally sensitive promotion of free screenings

To reach patients directly in the places they seek care, the King County Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) teamed up with International Community Health Services (ICHS) to create a four part video series in Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Vietnamese. The videos play in ICHS clinic waiting rooms, offering warm, in language encouragement right at the point of care.

Breast and cervical cancers are highly treatable when caught early, often before symptoms appear, one of the highlighted messages from the videos. They also let viewers know that cost should never be a barrier with the availability of free mammograms, Pap tests, and follow‑up care for eligible residents from BCCHP.

“When patients see health information in their own language and delivered in a way that feels familiar, it removes a huge barrier to getting screened. Every community faces different challenges when it comes to preventive care, and these videos help us meet people where they are, in the clinics they trust, in the languages they speak. Our partnership with Public Health makes it easier for patients to understand their options and take that important step toward early detection.” — Brendan Lo, Population Health Manager, International Community Health Services (ICHS)

Breast and cervical cancers are highly treatable when caught early, often before symptoms appear, one of the highlighted messages from the videos. They also let viewers know that cost should never be a barrier with the availability of free mammograms, Pap tests, and follow‑up care for eligible residents from BCCHP.

ICHS Dr. Tiffany Wang, MD explains in English why breast and cervical cancer screenings matter and shows viewers how to access free services through
the CHAP help line and partner clinics across King County.

How to get a free breast or cervical cancer screening in your language

1) Call The King County Community Health Access Program (CHAP) help line

  • CHAP: 1‑800‑756‑5437
  • Speak with staff in your preferred language (interpreters available in 170+ languages)

2) Find out if you’re eligible

  • CHAP confirms whether you qualify for free BCCHP screenings
  • Eligibility is based on age, income, and insurance status

3) Schedule your visit

  • Book an appointment at ICHS or a partner clinic
  • Get connected to a location near you (International District, Holly Park, Bellevue, or Shoreline)

More information

Don’t wait for symptoms. Early screening protects your health and gives your family peace of mind. Watch the videos in additional languages:

  • ICHS Medical Assistant & Clinic Support Supervisor Caiyou Wu explains in Cantonese:
  • ICHS Dr. Julie Do, MD explains in Vietnamese:
  • ICHS Dr. Tiffany Wang, MD explains in Mandarin:

For more help with healthcare services, contact the CHAP Line: 1‑800‑756‑5437 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM), or emailchap@kingcounty.gov

Learn more about breast and cervical cancer prevention: Visit the King County BCCHP program page.

Originally Published on 10/15/2026