Breast and Cervical Screening

The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and limited diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured women in Tennessee.

About the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP)

The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP) helps low-income and uninsured women access timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through support from the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State of Tennessee funding also allows TBCSP to provide diagnostic services for men.

Individuals diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or precancerous conditions through TBCSP may qualify for treatment coverage through TennCare.

TBCSP provides patient navigation services to help Tennesseans overcome barriers and access needed care. In addition to funding clinical services, the program focuses on individual health behaviors and the broader factors that influence health at interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels.

Mission

The mission of the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program is to prevent unnecessary disease, disability, and premature death from breast and cervical cancer. Early detection—through routine mammograms and cervical cancer screenings—offers the best opportunity for timely treatment and improved survival.

TBCSP also works to reduce preventable risk factors for these diseases by:

  • Promoting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for cervical cancer prevention
  • Increasing access to cardiovascular health services
  • Raising community awareness about breast and cervical cancer prevention
  • Connecting individuals to resources that support health and well-being

Program Goals

The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program aims to:

  • Ensure access to breast and cervical cancer screening services for eligible individuals, with a focus on disproportionately burdened populations
  • Provide all screened clients with timely follow-up, diagnosis, treatment, and navigation services
  • Increase screening rates through statewide public education and outreach
  • Monitor and assess trends in breast and cervical cancer incidence, mortality, and screening rates to guide effective health promotion strategies
  • Build partnerships with organizations that help reach priority populations and expand program impact
  • Maintain quality assurance mechanisms for screening and diagnostic services
  • Facilitate TennCare enrollment for eligible uninsured individuals under age 65 who require treatment for breast or cervical cancer
  • Evaluate program implementation according to NBCCEDP guidelines

Healthy People 2030 Objectives

TBCSP supports national goals outlined in Healthy People 2030 related to reducing cancer burden. Program outcomes align with the following objectives:

  • Reduce the female breast cancer death rate (C-04)
  • Increase the proportion of females who receive breast cancer screening (C-05)
  • Increase the proportion of females who receive cervical cancer screening (C-09)

Learn more about these objectives:
Healthy People 2030: Cancer Objectives
https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/cancer

Eligibility Determination

To qualify for TBCSP screening or diagnostic services, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Residency

  • Must be a Tennessee resident

Income

  • Income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for family size

Insurance Status

Applicants must be:

  • Uninsured (no private insurance, TennCare, or Medicare; or have exhausted annual or lifetime benefits) OR
  • Underinsured, defined as:
    • Individuals without coverage for breast or cervical screening, or
    • Individuals without coverage for the diagnosis or treatment of breast or cervical cancer
    • Note: Individuals whose insurance covers TBCSP services are not considered underinsured, even if they cannot pay deductibles or co-pays.
    • Individuals with Medicare Part A only (no Part B) are considered underinsured.

Age Requirements

  • 40+ years for breast and cervical cancer screening
  • 18+ years for breast or cervical diagnostics

Check Your Eligibility

To determine your eligibility for TBCSP services, visit:
TBCSP Eligibility Screening Form
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/tbcsp_eligibility_form

Find a Clinic Near You

The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP) provides screening and diagnostic services at county health departments and partner clinics across the state. Use the information below to locate a clinic near you and learn how to access services.

Find a Local Health Department

TBCSP services are available at every county health department in Tennessee. To find your local health department, visit: Find a Local Health Department Location

How to Find Services

Most clinic locations offer breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic services, referrals, and patient navigation support. To access services:

  • Contact your county health department to schedule an appointment for breast and cervical screening.
  • Some community health centers in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and rural areas also provide TBCSP services.
  • For more information, contact the TBCSP Central Office at 1-877-969-6636.
  • You may also contact one of the TBCSP partner clinics listed below.

Locations of Services

TBCSP services can be accessed at all county health departments and at the following contract clinics across Tennessee:

Chattanooga Area

  • Erlanger Health System
  • Memorial Hospital Sites

Nashville / Davidson County Area

  • Matthew Walker Community Health Center
  • Neighborhood Health (Nashville and surrounding counties)
  • Meharry Medical Services
  • Vine Hill Clinic

Memphis Area

  • Resurrection Health
  • Memphis Health Center
  • Church Health Center
  • Christ Community Health Centers

Rural and Regional Clinics

  • Cherokee Health System
  • Lifespan Health Center – Savannah
  • Rural Medical Services – East and Northeast Tennessee
  • East Jackson Family Medical Center – Jackson
  • Primary Care and Hope Clinic – Murfreesboro

Patient Resources

This section provides easy-to-understand information and tools to help individuals learn about breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart health, family health history, and other available resources that support overall wellness and informed health decisions.

Breast Cancer Information and Screening Guidelines

Breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue, and early detection through regular screening is one of the most effective ways to improve treatment options and survival. Understanding your personal risk, knowing whether you may be considered high risk, and following recommended screening guidelines can help you take steps to detect breast cancer earlier. These materials provide information on breast cancer risk, disparities in outcomes, and resources to support screening and prevention across Tennessee.

Infographics

Breast Cancer Disparities

Resources

High Risk Snapshots

National Breast Cancer Resources

Cervical Cancer Information and Screening Guidelines

The following resources provide trusted information on cervical cancer, risk factors, prevention, and recommended screening guidelines to help support early detection and improve health outcomes.

Infographics

Cervical Cancer Education and Support Resources

How to Get Screened

Family Planning Program

If you are under 40 and meet income eligibility requirements, you may qualify for cervical cancer screening services at your local health department.

More information: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/family-planning.html. 

Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP)

If you are uninsured or underinsured, at least 40 years old, meet income requirements, and live in Tennessee, you may qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screenings through TBCSP.

Call 877-969-6636 or visit:
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/mch-cancer.html

If You Have Insurance

Talk with your health care provider about screening. If you do not have a provider, contact your local health department.

Heart Health

Find resources about maintaining heart health, understanding cardiovascular risk factors, and steps you can take to support lifelong heart wellness.

Family Health History

Your family’s health history can provide important clues about your own risk for certain conditions. Did you know that your family health history may impact how or when you get screened? Talk with your family about the health conditions they have experienced and share this information with your health care provider. Together, you can determine whether you may need to begin screening earlier or more frequently.

For more information, visit: Family Health History: The Basics (CDC).

Additional Resources

Explore highlights and stories that showcase the impact of the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP) and its partners in improving access to breast and cervical cancer screening and support services across Tennessee.

Healthcare Provider Resources

This section provides clinical guidance, screening recommendations, and educational materials to support healthcare providers participating in the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP).

Clinical and Screening Resources

If you would like additional information or are interested in partnering with TBCSP, email TBCSP.Health@tn.gov
or call 1-877-969-6636.

Heart Health Resources

These resources support healthcare providers in addressing cardiovascular risk factors among patients served through TBCSP.

This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 3:43 PM