Susan G. Komen^® Advocates for Access to Breast Care Imaging as Voter Support Grows

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, urged lawmakers on Capitol Hill to put their full support behind pending legislation that would expand access to early detection and require insurance companies to fully cover the cost of all recommended breast imaging, not just routine screening mammograms. The call-to-action comes amid a new national poll showing 90% of voters support proposals that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for imaging and additional testing for people who require it.

“We cannot lose lives to breast cancer simply because patients don’t have the money for routine screening or follow-up care when a mammogram reveals an abnormality,” said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen.

Share

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act (H.R.3037/S.1500) removes cost barriers that patients face when they require breast imaging beyond a screening mammogram. This imaging, which can be standard of care for some breast cancer survivors and others at high risk, can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. These costs are real barrier to care: About 1 in 5 women say they would skip recommended follow-up breast imaging if it involves out-of-pocket costs (e.g., deductibles or co-pays)

The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act (H.R.2381/S.1866) reauthorizes the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program, which provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screening to people with low incomes and inadequate insurance, and provides greater flexibility to implement innovative evidence-based interventions.

“These two policies, once enacted, will make needed breast health services available to millions of people at no cost so that no one has to choose between lifesaving care and everyday living expenses,” said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “We cannot lose lives to breast cancer simply because patients don’t have the money for routine screening or follow-up care when a mammogram reveals an abnormality.”

The annual Susan G. Komen Advocacy Summit comes on the heels of a new national poll that found more than 90% of voters support insurance coverage at no cost to patients when the care is medically required.

Komen also urged lawmakers to support federal funding to the National Institutes of Health, including the National Cancer Institute, in the next fiscal year so that we don’t lose ground in breakthrough breast cancer research.

“So much progress has been made in detecting breast cancer early and treatments that allow people to live longer with better quality lives,” Guthrie added. “A lack of funding for critical screening programs and research threatens to stall or even reverse the strides we’ve made, and we cannot let that happen. We will continue to urge lawmakers to make breast cancer a priority and ensure everyone who needs care can access it and afford it.”

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.