Urges Quick Passage to Ensure Access to Breast Cancer Screenings
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today commended members of the House and Senate for reintroducing the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act. The legislation is led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI) and Susan Collins (ME) and Representatives Joseph Morelle (NY-25) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).
The SCREENS for Cancer Act reauthorizes a critical program – the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) – that provides access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for low-income, uninsured or underinsured people in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, five U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands and 13 tribes or tribal organizations.
“Timely access to high-quality screening and diagnostic services can save lives but too often this care is skipped or delayed—especially for those without sufficient insurance coverage. The SCREENS for Cancer Act will enable cancer screening in under-resourced communities to detect cancers earlier when there are more treatment options and prognosis is better,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Komen is grateful for the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Collins, and Representatives Morelle and Fitzpatrick on this legislation and urges quick passage.”
The NBCCEDP, a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments, also provides public education, outreach, patient navigation and care coordination to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates and reach underserved, vulnerable populations. Since its founding in 1991, it has served more than 61 million people, detecting nearly 77,000 invasive breast cancers and more than 24,000 premalignant breast lesions.
“Too many families across America know the pain of receiving a cancer diagnosis. This year alone, over 300,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and another 14,000 will be diagnosed with cervical cancer,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “My daughter, Lauren, battled breast cancer for two years with incredible courage, sharing her story and underscoring the importance of early detection. I’m proud to carry on her legacy by helping all women access the critical cancer screening services they need, regardless of their income—so fewer families will suffer the unimaginable loss of a loved one.”
Added Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Cancer Caucus, “Early testing is a proven method for saving lives and improving outcomes of breast cancer diagnoses. I’m proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues on the SCREENS Act to ensure that vulnerable and underserved communities have access to these life-saving screening services.”
Screening rates were dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as so many women delayed or missed annual appointments. More than 3.9 million fewer breast cancer screenings occurred in 2020 as compared to 2019. In 2023 alone, an estimated 300,590 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 43,700 will die from the disease.
The SCREENS for Cancer Act, once passed, will preserve access to vital public health infrastructure that has a proven track record of improving cancer screening rates in underserved populations. The legislation provides greater flexibility to NBCCEDP grantees, allowing for more emphasis on implementing innovative, evidence-based interventions and aggressive outreach to underserved communities through media, peer educators and patient navigators.
“Cancer touches every community across the country, but with proper screening and treatment, we can save lives and prevent heartache of families,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The NBCCEDP has a proven track record of reaching underserved communities and providing preventative and diagnostic cancer services nationwide. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to promote preventative care and ensure everyone has access to these critical, lifesaving services.”
