Women’s Way may provide a way for eligible North Dakota women to pay for breast and cervical cancer screenings. Women’s Way may also provide patient navigation services to help women overcome barriers and get timely access to quality care. Limited diagnostic procedures are also available to women enrolled in Women’s Way.
17,000
Slightly more than 17,000 women in North Dakota could be eligible for Women's Way and receive breast and cervical screenings.
850
More than 850 doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are enrolled as participating providers, making it possible for most clients to receive services through their regular providers at more than 300 facilities across North Dakota.
71
Today, 71 funded states, tribes, and territories provide services in the United States.
In 1990, Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act, which launched funding for the national breast and cervical cancer screening program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) distributes the money and oversees the national program.
In 1993, North Dakota received funding for planning and system development. The North Dakota breast and cervical cancer early detection program, named Women’s Way, began offering screening services in 1997.
Women’s Way is administered through North Dakota Health and Human Services and local public health offices.
In 2001, the North Dakota state legislature passed, and Governor Hoeven signed legislation allowing uninsured Women’s Way clients who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer to access treatment coverage through the North Dakota Medicaid – Breast or Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.