This May, the PA Breast Cancer Coalition partners with Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward to celebrate Mammography Month and Mother’s Day with a powerful reminder to prioritize the health of ourselves and the women we love. Regular mammograms are vital in the early detection of breast cancer, and by raising awareness this month, we honor the lives and well-being of the women who mean the most to us.
We spoke with PBCC President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy about the significance and impact of Mammo May…
Q: Why is Mammography Month important and what message do you hope it sends?
A: Mammography Month is important because it calls attention to the need for women to get their yearly 3D mammograms. We are all busy, and we know that we need to take care of our health. So, how can we combine those two things? Mammography Month helps us to do that. We can mark it on our calendar and say “Today, I’m going to call and schedule my 3D mammogram.”
Q: How would you explain the importance of mammograms to someone who may be hesitant to get one for the first time?
A: Sometimes people are hesitant for a variety of reasons: They may be concerned about the cost and think about fitting it into the family budget. opens in a new windowIn PA, that is not a problem, it’s free.
Q: Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of a national movement to provide no-cost breast cancer screenings and no-cost follow-up testing. How has legislative advocacy made an impact on access to early detection in recent years?
A: Pennsylvania has been a leader in early detection. We were the first state in the nation to provide no-cost opens in a new window3D mammograms and recently, the legislature passed opens in a new windowAct 1 of 2023, which provides no-cost breast MRI, ultrasounds, genetic testing and genetic counseling for individuals at increased risk who are insured under Pennsylvania law. No cost means no co-pay, no deductible, no co-insurance. We’re the first in the nation to do that, and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition salutes Senator Kim Ward who introduced that legislation, also to the House and Senate that passed it and to Governor Shapiro who signed it into law.
I’m a breast cancer survivor myself, was diagnosed many years ago, late stage III, and treated successfully with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Although that’s a very risky diagnosis, here I am 30 years later. When I realized I was a survivor, I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to give something back, to improve research, to improve access, to ensure that all women can get their mammograms and get treated. Pennsylvania has been leading the charge with that and I think to some extent, the PBCC has been responsible for that by advocating for legislation, and that’s because we have elected officials as well who want to be at the forefront in saving women’s lives.
Q: What programs are available in Pennsylvania to serve women who are uninsured, under-insured / may have a high-deductible plan and need to be screened?
A: Cost could be an issue, but not in Pennsylvania. We are very fortunate that the Department of Health offers the opens in a new windowBreast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) that provides free 3D mammograms and, if additional testing is necessary such as an MRI, that is provided at no cost as well. If treatment is needed, that is also provided through the opens in a new windowBreast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment program (BCCPT). So, we are very fortunate that people who are uninsured can get covered. There are Pennsylvanians who have insurance but they have a high deductible. They would be covered as well. We’ve made it really amazingly accessible, cost-wise, so women don’t have to be concerned that it’s going to cost a fortune for a mammogram or an MRI or treatment for breast cancer.
Need help or more information? opens in a new windowclick here.
To contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy, call 800-377-8828 ext. 3020 or opens in a new windowclick here.
Q: How can Pennsylvanians take action this Mammo May?
A: Each of us can do something. We could say to our mothers, “Hey Mom, have you scheduled your 3D mammogram yet this year?” and help them schedule it. Or reach out to our sisters and say, “You know, I just had mine, sis. How about you? Have you found a mammography center near you that has 3D mammograms?” and encourage them. One of women’s wonderful characteristics is we talk openly with one another, including about our health and medical situations. Having lunch with friends or out shopping, sitting on the porch with friends, we can say, “You know, I just got my mammogram, have you?” Talk to the women in your life and bring up the topic. Let’s make it part of the conversation.
According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women ages 50 to 74 has not had a mammogram in the past two years. Your outreach to your friends and family can help more women get the mammogram that could save their life.
Additional Resources:
opens in a new windowAct 1 of 2023 (no-cost breast MRI. ultrasound, genetic testing and genetic counseling)
opens in a new windowPA Breast Cancer Coalition Patient Resources