Breast Cancer Awareness & Support Tools for Illinois Community Health Workers
Supporting Communities Through Education, Navigation, and Trust
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential members of healthcare teams and trusted partners within Illinois communities. Through communication, service coordination, advocacy, capacity building, and health education, CHWs play a critical role in reducing barriers to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
This resource page provides easy-to-use tools to support CHWs in breast cancer awareness, education, and navigation—before, during, and after medical visits.
Why Early
Detection Matters
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Breast cancer is most treatable when found early
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Screening can detect cancer before symptoms appear
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Earlier diagnosis often means more treatment options and better outcomes
Breast Cancer in
Illinois Communities
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Screening rates and outcomes vary by race, income, geography, and insurance status
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Structural barriers—such as cost, transportation, language, and fear—impact access
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CHWs help address these barriers through education and navigation
Understanding Breast Cancer: Key Facts for CHWs
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
The following tools can help you determine...Who Should Get Screened? Common Screening Tools Supporting Informed Decision-Making.
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Explain screening options in plain language
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Encourage shared decision-making with providers
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Support follow-up after abnormal results
CHW Tools - Flyers & Fillable Forms
Community Education & Tools - Flyers & Fillable Forms
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Mammograms
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Breast MRI