Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, alongside co-sponsors Sen. Tina Tartaglione and Sen. Frank Farry, has introduced a Senate resolution designating May 2025 as Mammography Month in Pennsylvania. This initiative is in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) to emphasize the importance of early breast cancer detection.
In January 2025, Pennsylvania implemented Act 1 of 2023, a law that removes out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screening for high-risk patients under state-regulated insurance plans. This legislation covers supplemental tests like MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling.
Ward, a breast cancer survivor, stated: “As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the importance of early detection and proactive health care. Breast cancer is a diagnosis that changes your life forever. I am proud that here in Pennsylvania we are leading the way by making sure high-risk individuals have access to critical services without worrying about cost. With Act 1 fully implemented, there is no excuse to delay essential screenings. Our message during Mammography Month is simple but powerful: early detection saves lives.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationwide in 2025. In Pennsylvania alone, an average of 38 women receive this diagnosis daily. Notably, nearly one in four women aged 50 to 74 have not had a mammogram in the past two years.
PA Breast Cancer Coalition President Pat Halpin-Murphy emphasized: “Getting a mammogram isn’t just about your health. It’s about your life. It’s about being here for your family, your community and yourself. I know because a mammogram saved my life.” She praised Pennsylvania’s efforts to eliminate cost barriers to early detection.
The American College of Radiology advises women to discuss their breast cancer risk with doctors by age 25 and recommends regular annual mammograms for better chances of early detection and survival rates.
Ward and PBCC aim to promote awareness throughout May about early detection and available resources under Act 1.
