Komen Community Rallies on Capitol Hill, Urging Congress to Expand Access to Breast Health Care and Save Lives

Susan G. Komen^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today commended members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for reintroducing the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act. This bicameral, bipartisan effort, led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Katie Britt (AL), aims to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

The ABCD Act would eliminate financial barriers that prevent women from accessing essential breast imaging used as part of the early detection and diagnosis process. While screening mammograms are typically covered without cost-sharing, follow-up diagnostic tests or those requiring supplemental breast imaging —such as diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, or breast MRIs—can cost patients hundreds to even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. These unexpected expenses often lead to delays in care, with an estimated 1.1 million women postponing necessary imaging in 2024 alone. For some, that delay could mean a diagnosis comes only after the cancer has advanced — making it harder to treat, deadlier and more expensive.

“For too many women, the high cost of breast imaging is a devastating roadblock to breast cancer detection. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and finding out if they have cancer. This legislation will help make timely access to needed imaging more affordable so that breast cancers are caught early, and more lives can be saved,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Komen is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Dingell, Wasserman Schultz and Fitzpatrick and Senators Shaheen and Britt on this legislation and urges quick passage.”

Alongside this notable reintroduction, this week, nearly 200 Susan G. Komen® advocates from across the country are coming together in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to take action and ensure every person has access to the breast cancer care they need—no matter who they are or where they live. Taking place April 28–30, the Komen Advocacy Summit is focused on advancing long-lasting, systemic policy which accelerates research, ensures access to high-quality, affordable care, and alleviates financial and administrative barriers to care.

“Saving lives from breast cancer starts with advancing the pursuit of new breast cancer treatments and ensuring everyone has access to the care they need—when they need it,” Guthrie continued. “With more than 310,000 people expected to be diagnosed this year and over 40,000 projected to die, we must act now. Experts say one-third of these deaths are preventable with access to existing treatments. That’s the difference access makes—and it’s why we’re here.”

Komen Advocates are also calling on the 119th Congress to support restored funding for the Breast Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense and preserve access to vital early detection programs by supporting increased funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and passing the SCREENS for Cancer Act

Sound government action is critical for making the broad, systemic and lasting changes we need to save lives and end breast cancer forever. 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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