Michigan's Women, Infants & Children program, providing supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information, and other resources for healthy mothers & babies.
Information on the Family Independence Program, State Disability Assistance, SSI, Refugee, and other cash assistance.
If you cannot afford child care, payment assistance is available.
Children's Special Health Care Services information and FAQ's.
Information on assistance with home repairs, heat and utility bills, relocation, home ownership, burials, home energy, and eligibility requirements.
Information on the Food Assistance Program, eligibility requirements, and other food resources.
Information about the health care programs available through Medicaid and how to qualify.
Our migrant program works with a number of organizations to provide services for Michigan’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
A federal program which helps persons admitted into the U.S. as refugees to become self-sufficient after their arrival.
Universal caseload, or task-based processing, is a different way of handling public assistance cases.
Information on the Children's Protective Services Program, child abuse reporting procedures, and help for parents in caring for their children.
Information on adoption programs, adoption resources, locating birth parents and obtaining information from adoption records.
Information on Adult Protective Services, Independent Living Services, Adult Community Placement Services, and HIV/AIDS Support Services.
Information on child support services for participants and partners.
Programs for healthy children & families, including immunization, lead poisoning prevention, prenatal smoking cessation, and many others.
Information on the Children's Foster Care program and becoming a Foster Parent.
Information about the Michigan law that requires certain information be made available to a woman who is seeking an abortion at least 24 hours prior to the abortion procedure.
Information on treatment and services for juvenile offenders, success stories, and more.
Child Welfare Medical and Behavioral Health Resources
MDHHS and partners support a continuum of prevention services. The continuum is inclusive of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention activities. Visit this page to learn more.
Information about injury and violence prevention programs in Michigan
Information on Safe Sleep for your baby, how to protect your baby's life.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) uses the best available science to reduce, eliminate, or prevent harm from environmental, chemical, and physical hazards.
Resources and information to assist in assuring firearm safety for families in the state of Michigan.
The Division of Victim Services (DVS) provides a voice advocating for and responding to all victims of crime in Michigan. Learn more about DVS-funded programs and services, including Michigan’s 24/7, free, confidential, and anonymous domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines.
Medical Resources for Child Protection
Serves as liaison and provides funding to Michigan’s 45 local health departments.
Adult Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Services
Multicultural Health
Prevention of diseases & conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many others.
Information on communicable & chronic diseases.
Home to an array of public health programs, initiatives and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of women, infants, families and communities.
Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records
Boards and Commissions
Bridge Card Participation Information on Electronic Benefits for clients and businesses, lists of participating retailers and ATMs, and QUEST.
Provider Payments Information on the direct deposit of State of Michigan payments into a provider's bank account.
Information on How to Bid, Requests for Proposals, forms and publications, contractor rates, and manuals.
Information & resources for Community and Faith-Based partners
Information on DHS Applications and Forms grouped by category.
State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP)
Health Care Providers
Licensing information for Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged, Child Day Care Facilities, Child Caring Institutions, Children's Foster Care Homes, Child Placing Agencies, Juvenile Court Operated Facilities and Children's or Adult Foster Care Camps.
Michigan Statewide Systems of Care
Information on the grant awarded for the State Innovation Model Proposal
Protect MiFamily -Title IV-E Waiver
Offers resources for agencies who operate the Weatherization Assistance Program in the state of Michigan
Information on resources in your community and volunteer recruitment and training, and services provided at local DHS offices.
Information is collected to monitor the general health and well-being of Michigan citizens.
Equal Opportunity, Legal Base, Laws and Reporting Welfare Fraud information.
A variety of reports & statistics for programs and services.
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The Michigan Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adults is working with partners to increase the understanding of cancer in young adults and young breast cancer awareness.
The information on this page is intended to provide an overview of breast cancer risk in young adults, hereditary cancer, genetic testing, and cancer previvor issues. If you have additional questions that are not answered on this page or elsewhere in our website's dedicated section on breast cancer in young adults, please feel free to reach out to us at (844) 446-8727.
Q. I am in my 20s. Can I be diagnosed with breast cancer?
Yes, about 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45. You can learn more at: Bring Your Brave Campaign. In Michigan, about 660 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. (Data from the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program)
Q: What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Knowing your risk factors is important. Anyone can develop breast cancer. Learn more about breast cancer risk factors from the Centers for Disease Control CDC and American Cancer Society.
Q: How do I know my individual risk of breast cancer?
The best way to understand your breast cancer risk is to talk to your primary care provider and share your family history with them. Learn more at Breast Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention, Breast Cancer Risk: What to Know, Patient Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Handout, and Calculate Your Risks.
Q: Can I receive cancer screening if I am not yet 40?
Most women are not eligible for cancer screening under the age of 40. Some women, based on family history, are at high risk for Early-Onset Breast Cancer and should start cancer screening earlier. Learn more about cancer screening at earlier ages based on risk.
Q: Can I have breast cancer without a lump?
Yes, there are several different symptoms of breast cancer see Know Your Lemons® for Early Detection | Early Detection for Breast Cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer where the breast often looks swollen and red with no lump. Learn more about inflammatory breast cancer at: Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer - Inflammatory: Diagnosis.
Q: What else can I do?
There are several things you can do to manage your breast health, including Learn Your Family History of Breast and Ovarian Cancer and sharing that information with your doctor. It is also important to talk to your provider about your Breast Cancer Risk Factors and how to monitor your breast health. Perform regular breast health checks and monitor changes in your breasts. Learn how to manage your breast health at Know Your Lemons®. If you are 40 or over, get regular mammograms.
Q: What happens if I notice a change in my breast or breasts?
If you notice any changes in your breast(s), seek medical care as soon as possible. Although not all breast changes indicate cancer, it is important to talk to your health care provider. Learn more at Susan G. Komen and Symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Q: I am 40 years or older. How do I schedule a breast cancer screening appointment?
National Breast Cancer Foundation provides helpful information to guide you through the process of scheduling a mammogram. To find a mammogram facility near you, check out: Mammography Facilities (fda.gov). Assistance in paying for mammograms is available for low income individuals through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Learn more at paying for a mammogram in Michigan. This resource is also available nationally: Find a Screening Program Near You | NBCCEDP | CDC.
Q: What is hereditary cancer?
Hereditary cancer is a term used to explain that cancer runs in your family. This may be through genes you inherit from your mother or your father. About 5-10% of breast cancers and 10-15% of ovarian cancers are thought to be hereditary. Learn more here: Hereditary Breast and BRCA Genes and Genetics.
To learn more about all types of genetic cancers, Facing our Risk of Cancer Empowered is a helpful resource.
Q: I have heard of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. What are they?
Everyone has two copies of BRCA 1 (Breast cancer 1) and BRCA 2 (Breast cancer 2) genes, which are tumor suppressor genes. This means that they help fight cancer. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are the most commonly affected genes in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Learn more: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Family Cancer Syndromes, and Genetic Testing Stories.
Q: Are there other genes that increase my risk for cancer?
Yes, there are several different types of genetic cancer. Check out these resources to learn more: Table of different genes and the hereditary cancers that they cause, Genetic Cancer Resources, and How Does Cancer Start? Genes and Cancer | American Cancer Society.
Q: If I have a gene mutation can I be at risk for more than one cancer?
Yes, many gene mutations can lead to a risk for multiple cancer types. For example, a BRCA mutation can also increase your risk of ovarian cancer. In men, it increases the risk of prostate cancer and male breast cancer. Learn more at: Family Cancer Syndromes.
Q: What options are available for detecting hereditary cancer?
Genetic testing can help to determine your cancer risk by looking for changes, mutations, or variants, in your DNA. Learn more about options for detecting hereditary cancer here: Genetic Testing Fact Sheet, What-Should-I-Do-If, or Cancer screening and risk reduction options.
Q: How do I know if genetic testing is right for me?
The best way to know if genetic testing is right for you is to speak with your doctor. Your doctor might recommend genetic testing based on your family history. Learn more at: What Should I Know Before Getting Genetic Testing? and How To Decide About Genetic Testing (facingourrisk.org).
Q: What happens in an appointment with a Genetic Counselor?
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who will collect your personal and family health history to inform you about your genetic risk factors and determine whether you may need genetic testing. Learn more at: What Happens During Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk? and Cancer genetic counseling - Making Sense of Your Genes.
Q: Will my insurance cover genetic testing?
Many insurance plans do cover at least a portion of the cost of genetic testing. It is best to check with your insurance company about what is covered. Learn more about navigating the costs of genetic testing: What Should I Know Before Getting Genetic Testing? (cancer.org) and Private Insurance Coverage of Genetic Services.
Q: Can I just use one of the direct-to-consumer genetic tests offered online?
No, direct-to-consumer genetic tests only test a limited number of mutations and should never be used instead of genetic counseling and clinical genetic testing. Learn more at: 23andMe BRCA Genetic Test, but Only IDs Three Mutations and Not All Genetic Tests are Created Equal.
Q: What do my genetic testing results mean?
Your genetic counselor should help you understand your genetic testing results. You can also learn more about what these test results mean at: Types of Test Results or Understanding Your Genetic Test Results. If you test positive for a genetic mutation, check out this resource for more information: People with an Inherited Gene Mutation.
Q: What is cascade testing?
Cascade testing occurs after a family member tests positive for a genetic mutation. It asks if other family members also have the same genetic mutation. It is typically less costly and produces a yes or no result. You can learn more here: About Cascade Testing.
Q: I am the first in my family to test positive for a genetic mutation. How do I talk to my family about my genetic mutation and their increased risk?
Your blood relatives may or may not have the same genetic mutation you have. For this reason, it is important to inform them of their possible increased risk of cancer. There are resources available to help navigate these conversations with family members: Talking to Your Family About Your BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation | Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer | CDC and Resources for Sharing Information with Adult Relatives (facingourrisk.org).
Q: What does it mean to be a cancer “previvor”?
Previvor is a term that refers to a person who has not been diagnosed but is at high risk of developing cancer. To learn more about previvorship, check out: Previvors: At high risk for breast cancer and People with an Inherited Gene Mutation.
Q: What preventative or risk-reduction options are available for people at high risk for cancer?
There are options for previvors that will manage or reduce their risk of cancer. For breast cancer, you can learn more at: High-Risk Women, Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer Fact Sheet, and Previvors: At High Risk for Breast Cancer (Living Beyond Breast Cancer).
Information about ovarian cancer risk management can be found at: Ovarian Risk Factors and Prevention and Surgery to reduce risk .
Q: If I choose to do a preventative mastectomy, what are my options after that?
Some choose to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy. You can learn more about this option at FORCE, Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy, and Breast Reconstruction Options | Types of Breast Reconstruction (cancer.org). Others will choose to go flat. You can learn more about this option at Not Putting On A Shirt.
Q: What resources are available for young previvors?
Young previvors may face challenges in many areas of their life, including relationships, career, fertility, and living in fear of developing cancer. Helpful information can be found at: Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered, BRCA Support and Resources, and Imerman Angels.
Q: How can I find mental health support as a breast cancer previvor?
A positive genetic test result may come with feelings of emotional distress. You can speak with your health care provider or genetic counselors about options for emotional support. Here are some organizations that offer support for previvors:
Q: Are there any resources for previvors that come from minority populations?
Q: How can I navigate my way as a transgender/non-binary previvor?
FORCE has a recorded session discussing processing cancer risk and gender-affirming care considerations for trans/enby previvors: Screening, prevention and gender affirming care for transgender people with mutations.