With National Mammography Day approaching on October 21, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging women in Illinois who have delayed breast cancer screenings to take action and schedule a comprehensive exam now. The National Cancer Institute has said that an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen because of the pandemic. Public health officials note that health disparities that have previously been detected – that show more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group – could be exacerbated by the screening gap. IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options. To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process. Women also can contact their local IBCCP agency and schedule an appointment.