Where to Get Free Cancer Screenings Without Insurance

According to the CDC, cancer causes 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S. Of the different types, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers have the highest mortality rates. 

Detecting cancer early can make a major difference in the success of your treatment. For instance, 5-year survival rates for breast cancer are 99% for cancer found in the localized stage, 86% for regional stage, and 29% for distant stage. 

Screening mammograms are typically the first imaging tools used to detect breast cancer. Typically, Medicare and health plans governed by the Affordable Care Act fully cover annual screening mammograms as preventive care. So there is often no out-of-pocket cost if you have health coverage. 

Diagnostic mammograms are subsequent tests that a healthcare provider orders if a patient has an abnormal result on their screening mammogram. In some cases, a person may need to have an ultrasound in addition to a diagnostic mammogram. The extra tests raise costs, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured. 

The Susan G. Komen Foundation looked at price differences for breast imaging in various states. Below is a snapshot of Texas-based self-reported sample prices from 2019. 

But if you’re one of the millions of Americans without health insurance, a mammogram may not be affordable. And being screened for multiple types of cancer would get expensive. 

Fortunately, many health organizations offer free or low-cost screenings for several common cancers. In this article, we’ll help you find those screenings in your community.

How do I know if I need cancer screening?

Cancers don’t always have symptoms. But you may want to get checked out if you have one or more of these seven cancer warning signs:

1. Changes in bowel or bladder habits

2. A sore throat that won’t heal

3. Unusual bleeding or discharge

4. A lump or thickening in the breast or other body part

5. Persistent indigestion or trouble swallowing

6. Any change in a mole or wart

7. Nagging cough or hoarseness

If you are experiencing these or other worrisome symptoms, ask your local health department about a free or low-cost cancer screening. If you don’t have a regular healthcare provider, look into area health centers. Many charge patients for care according to a sliding-fee scale. 

Which types of cancer should I be screened for? 

Even if you have no symptoms, the ACS recommends regular screenings for early detection and treatment of: 

• Female breast cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Colon and rectal cancer and polyps

These resources can direct you to free or low-cost screenings near you:

• For breast cancer: Free Mammograms and the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

• For cervical cancer: NBCCEDP and Planned Parenthood

• For colorectal cancer: the CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance

When should you or family members start cancer screenings? How often should you have them? The answers to these questions depend on your age and risk level for various cancers. (For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may benefit from a free skin cancer screening.) 

If possible, talk with a healthcare provider about the potential benefits, risks, or uncertainties associated with testing. False positives and false negatives do occur. Some cancer screenings — such as those for prostate and lung cancer — are recommended only if a healthcare provider feels they’re necessary. 

Where do free cancer screenings take place?

Free cancer screenings are held at various community locations, including:

• State health departments

• Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)

• Community health centers (CHCs)

• Migrant health centers

• Healthcare facilities for the homeless

• Health centers for residents of public housing

• Rural health clinics (RHCs)

• Free clinics

Hospitals or clinics in your area may also sponsor events that include free cancer screenings.

How long will cancer screenings and results take?

This table shows the type of test typically used to screen for certain cancers,, how long the test takes, and how long it should take to get your results back.

By themselves, cancer screenings don’t enable healthcare providers to diagnose cancer. Rather, they indicate whether you need diagnostic tests. For example, healthcare providers may decide to follow up an abnormal Pap test with a colposcopy, an inconclusive breast screening with more mammogram images or an ultrasound, or an unusual prostate exam with a biopsy. 

If the diagnostic tests come back positive, a provider may request more tests, using tools like CAT scans and MRIs, to determine the cancer’s spread and stage. Speak to your healthcare provider to understand your results, treatment options, and best next steps. Look online for emotional and financial support resources. If you don’t have health insurance, you may be able to receive free treatment through your hospital’s charity care program.

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Written by:

Lorraine Roberte

Lorraine has been writing in-depth insurance and personal finance content for 3 years. She has written hundreds of articles on these topics, with her work appearing on such sites as the Balance, the Simple Dollar, ConsumerAffairs, and I Will Teach You To Be Rich.

Edited by:

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC, is a health editor at GoodRx. She is a nutritionist and integrative nutrition health coach with over 8 years of experience in health communications.

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