Pat Halpin-Murphy, President & Founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, expresses her gratitude to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for passing HB1606 by a unanimous vote of 197-0. This legislation, known as the Women's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act, was introduced on the floor of the House on June 13 by Representative George Kenney, Chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) had requested the introduction of legislation to address the need for access to mammograms for women 40 to 49, emphasizing the importance of early detection as a critical step in combating the disease. Women 50 to 64 are currently eligible to receive mammograms through the PA Department of Health's HealthyWoman Project. The PBCC's request for legislation was answered by Representative Kenney and HB1606.
"It was my pleasure to sponsor this bill on behalf of the PBCC," said Representative Kenney. "Early detection of breast and cervical cancer is of utmost importance. Studies have shown that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 96 percent if it is detected early, but declines to 21 percent in later stages."
"On behalf of the many women whose lives can and will be saved by this legislation, the PBCC and I wish to thank the members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for recognizing the overwhelming need for mammograms for women 40 to 49. With your unanimous vote in favor of HB1606, the Pennsylvania House has clearly shown its commitment to women's health and the fight against breast cancer. I am pleased to count the members of the House as partners in the PBCC's mission of finding a cure now ... so our daughters won't have to," said Halpin-Murphy.