Getting annual screenings for breast and cervical cancer can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have insurance or know where to get care. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45-54 get mammograms every year to detect breast cancer and the CDC recommends that women begin getting pap smears at age 21 to detect cervical cancer.
This guide provides information on free or low-cost clinics around New York City that provide mammograms, pap smears and STI screenings for women, regardless of immigration status.
The New York State Cancer Services Program
- Services provided: breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services
- Cost: services provided for free to people who live in NY state, have no health insurance, and meet income and age eligibility requirements
- You can find a provider near you by using this search tool.
- Phone number: (866) 442-CANCER (2262), hotline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Planned Parenthood of New York City
- Services provided: pap smears, breast examinations, STI screenings, family planning, emergency contraceptive services, gynecological care, abortion services, and prenatal care
- Cost: They accept most insurances, medicaid, and offer flexible payment plans to the uninsured.
- You can find a provider near you by using this search tool.
- Phone number: (212) 965-7000, phone lines open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Columbia University Breast Cancer Screening Partnership
- Services provided: breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings
- Cost: free of charge to uninsured women over the age of 40 and younger women at high risk for breast cancer
- Address: Avon Foundation Breast Imaging Center
- 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue (between 165th and 166th St)
- Phone number: (212) 851-4516
MSK Ralph Lauren Center
- Services provided: mammogram, pap smear, colon, prostate, and lung cancer screenings. They also provide patient navigation to help with your appointments, financial counseling to explain any costs related to your care, and a food pantry with nutritional counseling.
- Cost: sliding scale cost to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status
- Address: 1919 Madison Ave, New York, New York 10035
- Phone number: (646) 543-3997
American Italian Cancer Foundation
- Services provided: mammograms and clinical breast exams provided to medically–underserved women in the five boroughs
- Cost: free
- Phone number: (877) 628-9090 – Call to schedule an appointment
- To view the calendar of upcoming events, click here.
Brooklyn Free Clinic
- Services provided: STI, HIV testing and psychiatric services
- Cost: free to individuals over 18 without health insurance
- Address: 470 Clarkson Ave Suite A, Brooklyn, NY
- To request an appointment, fill out this form.
Community Healthcare Network – Women’s Health Care Center
- Services provided: mammograms, pap smears, annual check-ups and physicals
- Cost: sliding scale for low-income patients and free for uninsured patients or patients without regular migration status.
- Address: find the nearest CHN near you using this tool.
Additional guides to check out: If you are uninsured and have had to pay for emergency medical services, check out our guide on how to cover those expenses. If you are looking for general healthcare resources, be sure to read this guide.
