South Dakota Expands Free Cancer Screenings for Women Ages 21 and Up Through All Women Count Program
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Starting September 1, 2026, more South Dakota women will qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screenings under the state’s All Women Count! (AWC!) Program, as the Department of Health lowers the minimum eligibility age from 30 to 21.
Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt said the expansion aims to improve early detection and outcomes for women statewide.
“By expanding eligibility for All Women Count!, we are helping more South Dakota women access recommended screenings and diagnostic services, regardless of whether they have adequate health insurance coverage,” Magstadt said.
Under the new guidelines, cervical cancer screening will be available to income‑eligible women ages 21 to 64, aligning with national recommendations that screenings begin at age 21. Breast cancer diagnostic services will also expand to include women ages 21 to 29 who show symptoms such as a lump or other suspicious signs.
The updated eligibility now covers:
· Women ages 40–64 for routine breast cancer screening
· Women ages 30–39 at high risk for breast cancer
· Women ages 21–39 with symptoms requiring diagnostic evaluation
Women under 40 must receive pre‑authorization from the AWC! Program before services are provided.
The All Women Count! Program offers no‑cost breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through participating healthcare providers across South Dakota. It serves uninsured or underinsured women with household incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For details on eligibility and participating providers, visit GetScreenedSD.org/AWC or call 1‑800‑738‑2301.
