Susan G. Komen® Applauds Bill Introductions; Urges Quick Passage
CHARLESTON – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, commends Senator Laura Chapman (R-Wheeling) for introducing legislation that would eliminate financial barriers to clinically appropriate genetic testing and diagnostic and supplemental imaging. In West Virginia, more than 1,620 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 120 are expected to die of the disease in 2025 alone.
A recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with these critical breast imaging procedures range from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, often forcing individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.
SB 430, introduced by Sen. Chapman, which eliminates the patient’s out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds. Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at a higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to determine if the patient needs a biopsy.
Sen. Chapman has also introduced SB 28 which eliminates the patient out-of-pocket costs for multi-gene panel testing for inherited gene mutations and evidence-based screenings, ensuring individuals have access to critical information regarding their lifetime cancer risk and recommended early detection and cancer surveillance. In the U.S., 5-10% of breast cancers are related to a known inherited gene mutation. The lifetime risk of breast cancer increases 20-49% for women with moderate risk inherited gene mutations and 50% or more for women with high-risk inherited gene mutations.
“These bills ensure patients have a better understanding of their lifetime cancer risk, access to needed risk reduction and treatment strategies, and affordable coverage of needed breast imaging,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Understanding cancer risk and access to needed imaging shouldn’t depend on financial means. These pieces of legislation help eliminate barriers, empowering individuals with essential knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.”
“We all know someone who has suffered from the devastating effects of cancer. This commonsense legislation should provide relief for the people of West Virginia,” said Sen. Chapman. “I am proud that my committee sees the value in early cancer detection so that everyone has access to appropriate care. Hopefully one day, there can be a cure for cancer so that no more family members or friends succumb to this terrible diagnosis.”
