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Susan G. Komen® Urges Swift Passage of Reintroduced SCREENS for Cancer Act

via Business Wire

Legislation Ensures Access to Life Saving Breast Cancer Care

Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, commends members of the U.S. Senate for reintroducing the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act. The legislation is led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

The SCREENS for Cancer Act reauthorizes a critical program – the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) – that helps women across the country with low incomes who do not have adequate insurance gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. The reintroduction of the SCREENS for Cancer Act after the release of the Trump Administration’s fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal which called to eliminate all federal funding for critical cancer prevention and control programs, including NBCCEDP. Without access to early detection programs, many people without adequate insurance are forced to delay or forgo screenings, which could lead to later-stage breast cancer diagnoses, making it up to five times more expensive to treat and more likely to result in poor outcomes. The SCREENS for Cancer Act and congressional support for NBCCEDP is more important than ever amongst this call to eliminate funding.

“Access to timely, high-quality screening and diagnostic services is critical for saving lives, yet far too many people—especially those without adequate insurance—face delays or are unable to access this essential care,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “The SCREENS for Cancer Act would help enable earlier detection of breast cancer when treatment options are more effective, and the prognosis is better. Komen is grateful for the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Collins on this legislation and urges Congress to pass it quickly.”

“Nearly every American’s life has been touched by a devastating cancer diagnosis, and early detection is one of the best tools we have to save lives. No Wisconsinite should miss regular screenings because of cost,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I’m proud to lead this legislation with my Republican colleague to help detect cancers earlier, save lives, and ensure more Americans get the care they need at a price they can afford.”

Since its founding in 1991, NBCCEDP-funded programs have served more than 6.4 million individuals across the country and provided more than 16.5 million breast and cervical cancer screening examinations, resulting in the diagnosis of nearly 80,000 invasive breast cancers. The program also provides public education, outreach, patient navigation and care coordination to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates and reach underserved, vulnerable populations.

“Cancer prevention and screening programs are vital because the earlier the disease is caught, the better the prognosis,” said Senator Collins. “The NBCCEDP provides thousands of uninsured and underinsured Mainers with breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services each year. Our bipartisan SCREENS for Cancer Act would reauthorize and strengthen this critical program, which has helped nearly 4,000 women in Maine receive a total of 8,198 screening tests over the past five years.”

This bill had widespread, bipartisan support in the 118th Congress and passed key committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Joining Senators Baldwin and Collins are Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) who reintroduced the bill in the House earlier in March. Susan G. Komen urges the 119th Congress to pass the SCREENS for Cancer Act without delay. Immediate action is critical to make meaningful progress in the fight against breast cancer and to ensure that all Americans have access to the screenings they need for early, life-saving intervention.

Learn more about Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy at: https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/advocacy/center-for-public-policy/

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/.

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