Bipartisan legislation will fund life-saving breast and cervical cancer screening services for low-income and underinsured patients
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (RPA01), Joe Morelle (D-NY25), and Nanette Barragan (D-CA44) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced they have introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster screening services for breast cancer and cervical cancer, making it easier for vulnerable populations to get the preemptive care they need. The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2027, making screening services more accessible to more people.
"Early testing for cancer saves lives and I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan and bicameral legislation" said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Cancer Caucus. "The SCREENS Act will allow for better access to cancer screenings for women across the country. This life-saving legislation is a step in the right direction at putting an end to cancer deaths."
National Cancer Institute (NCI) studies estimate pandemic-related disruptions or delays in care and screening are expected to result in over 2,500 breast cancer deaths by 2030 because breast cancer screenings declined by over 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBCCEDP provides potentially lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, underinsured who do not qualify for Medicaid. At current funding levels, NBCCEDP serves only 15% of the estimated number of eligible women for breast cancer services. The SCREENS for Cancer Act would provide greater funding authorizations for this critical program to strengthen outreach and accessibility, helping connect more women with screening services to detect cancer before it’s too late.
“Screening is a key step in routine breast care but so many people are currently unable to access it – the SCREENS for Cancer Act can change that,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “We have to make timely access to high-quality screening and diagnosis available to all, especially those in under-resourced communities where disparities in outcomes are highest, so that cancers can be caught early when there are more treatment options and prognosis is better.”
“Too many families across America know the pain of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Nearly 300,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and another 14,000 will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year,” 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.”
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is devastating news for any family to hear,” said Rep. Nanette Barragan. “However, with regular screenings, cancer can be detected early and allow for more treatment options and recovery. For over 30 years, the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided lifesaving breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured people. It has helped increased life expectancy for millions of women across the nation. I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce this critical and necessary bill to improving funding, outreach, and access to potentially lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening services.”
“Cancer plagues every corner of the country, but with proper screening and treatment, lives can be saved and families can continue to be whole,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The NBCCEDP has a proven track record of providing preventative and diagnostic cancer services nationwide, saving patients and taxpayers money, and most importantly, saving lives. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help folks get the cancer screening and treatment they need, and help save lives.”
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