Advocating for Accessible Breast Cancer Care
Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, has taken a strong stand towards enhancing access to high-quality breast care. Their 2025-2026 policy priorities aim at achieving a more equitable health care system while advocating for state and federal legislation that focuses on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.
Critical Legislation for Vulnerable Populations
The organization is urging Congress to swiftly reintroduce and pass the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act. This pivotal legislation seeks to ensure that vital breast health services are accessible to underserved populations, enabling individuals who often find themselves at a disadvantage in accessing timely medical care.
“With this new Congress, we urge lawmakers to prioritize the reintroduction and passage of legislation that will ensure lives are not lost to cancers simply because someone couldn’t access the health services they require,” stated Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Komen. The Komen team aims to ensure that millions of low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals can access necessary breast cancer screenings and treatment.
The Impact of Past Programs
The SCREENS for Cancer Act would also reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program has provided screening examinations to over 6.4 million individuals since its inception in 1991, detecting nearly 80,000 invasive breast cancers throughout its ongoing mission.
As projected cases of breast cancer rise, with estimates indicating over 310,000 diagnoses in the near future, the need for accessible health services becomes increasingly urgent. Experts highlight that universal access could prevent a significant number of deaths from this disease.
Increasing Research and Healthcare Access
Komen calls on Congress to eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, accelerate cancer research, and enhance comprehensive health care coverage. Addressing these concerns is critical to overcoming the obstacles patients face in obtaining necessary care.
“Komen’s Center for Public Policy hopes lawmakers will seize this immediate opportunity to pass legislation that has languished,” Guthrie added, emphasizing the importance of timely legislative action in improving health outcomes.
State-Level Legislative Efforts
On the state level, Komen continues to forge pathways towards lasting changes that tackle barriers to affordable healthcare. The Center for Public Policy introduced numerous bills across various states, leading to several new laws aimed at improving access to breast imaging and genetic testing. The commitment to enhancing healthcare access is paramount in Komen's mission to save lives.
Commitment to Saving Lives
The organization remains steadfast in its goal to ensure that all individuals have access to indispensable breast health services. Molly Guthrie concluded, “Our progress in saving lives from breast cancer is contingent upon breast health services being available and affordable to everyone.”
About Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen® is dedicated to ending breast cancer forever through a comprehensive strategy that includes advocacy, groundbreaking research, and support services. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, Komen's mission is rooted in a promise made to her sister, Susan G. Komen. To learn more about Komen's efforts, connect with them through their website or reach out via phone for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCREENS for Cancer Act?
The SCREENS for Cancer Act is legislation aimed at improving access to breast health services, particularly for underserved populations.
How has Komen impacted breast cancer detection?
Komen has played a key role in expanding access to essential screenings through programs like the NBCCEDP, which has detected thousands of invasive breast cancers.
Why is Congress's support critical?
Congress's support is critical to passing legislation that removes barriers and ensures equitable access to healthcare for all individuals at risk of breast cancer.
What actions is Komen taking at the state level?
Komen is actively introducing bills in various states to enhance access to healthcare services, including breast imaging and genetic testing.
How can I learn more about Susan G. Komen’s initiatives?
For more information about their initiatives and support services, visit their official website or contact them directly.
