This week Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa) and Senator Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) filed HB 711 and SB 670 respectively to address the lack of access to life-saving Breast Cancer screenings. The Florida Cancer Data System produced by the Florida Department of Health tells us that in 2020 there were over 18,000 new diagnosis of breast cancer. Around the state women and men are succumbing to breast cancer at earlier ages, in 2020 there were almost 3,000 deaths as a result of Breast Cancer.
The legislation filed this week would lower the age for a patient to receive a breast cancer screening to 25 and require that the screenings be covered by insurance companies. State statistics show that 1 in 3 breast cancer cases are identified at a late age making treatment more difficult and the rate of mortality higher.
Representative Dianne Hart issued the following statement:
“I am proud to sponsor this important legislation. Many people are suffering and losing their lives simply because they could not access the necessary and lifesaving screenings that they needed. As a State we must prioritize the health and well-being of our constituents. Hillsborough County has a history of high Breast Cancer rates, rates that were above the State average. This landmark legislation will increase health outcomes for our State and its citizens. The fight against cancer can be won, but it must first be caught early.”
Senator Tracie Davis issued the following statement:
“As Senate sponsor to this critical legislation, we will make a difference by spreading the word about early detection and the importance of mammograms. As we all know breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 2023 it is expected more than 297,000 new cases in women; 2,800 in men and nearly 44,000 men and women in the U.S. are expected to die. Unfortunately, young(er) individuals experience early warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer however, they are not diagnosed because of the current age requirements for screening. This legislation improves early detection and treatment and prevents diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer, which will ultimately decline the breast cancer death rate. We will be stronger together in taking charge of our health!”
Dr. Vondalyn Wright, Breast Cancer Survivor and Founder of Fight Wright Breast Cancer Foundation issued the following statement:
“As a breast cancer survivor, a healthcare provider, and the founder of Fight Wright Breast Cancer Foundation, I express my strong support for the bill proposing to lower the age of receiving a mammogram to 25 years. This critical legislation has the potential to save countless lives and prevent the devastating consequences of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis in young individuals.
Breast cancer knows no age limits. It is a disease that can strike women and men of all ages, and it is heartbreaking to witness the dismissive attitudes of healthcare professionals towards young people who feel changes in their breasts. Too often, these concerns are brushed aside simply because they do not meet the current age requirements for mammogram screenings.
Dr. Eva Crooke, Immediate Past President of Hillsborough Co. Medical Assoc.issued the following statement:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the US and rates are increasing a small percentage each year. Treatment is most effective and survival rates are best when the cancer is caught in its earliest stages. Access to and insurance coverage for timely and appropriately risk-stratified breast cancer screening is paramount to ensuring the health of our patients.
Each person should discuss their individualized risk with a physician and begin screening mammograms and, in some cases, other imaging studies at the age recommended for them. For some patients, this is as early as age 25 and ranges to age 40. The proposed legislation would ensure insurance companies provide coverage for the appropriate testing our patients need for breast cancer screening. This will improve outcomes and help save lives.”
