About Women's Way

Women’s Way may provide a way to pay for breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible North Dakota women. 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.

7%

Approximately 7% of potentially eligible women are screened by North Dakota Woman's Way. CDC estimates that funds awarded to the state can provide screenings and patient navigation-only services for 7 percent to 10 percent of potentially eligible women.

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 was named Women’s Way and 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 North Dakota Medicaid –  Breast or Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.