By Joe Picozzi
I can imagine there are few things more challenging in life than being told you have cancer. While new treatments and breakthroughs are happening every day, we still have a long way to go.
In October, we highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and share information about prevention, early detection and treatment options for this very challenging diagnosis.
This year, I’m pleased to partner with my colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition to kick off a month-long campaign to raise awareness and provide information about knowing your risks and early detection.
Sadly, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will get breast cancer in their lifetime. If found early and treated most women can survive to live long and full lives.
The good news is that the number of women getting mammograms, the screening test for breast cancer, has increased substantially and the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent for early detection. Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular screening is so important.
We’re encouraging all Pennsylvanians to take a look at their risk of developing hereditary cancers like breast cancer. High-risk factors can include:
• family history of breast cancer
• personal history of breast cancer
• dense breast tissue
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation
And if you’re at increased risk, Act 1 of 2023 passed by the Pennsylvania legislature provides no-cost breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and genetic counseling for individuals insured under state law. This new law will play a big role in helping people get the testing they need regardless of income.
Specifically, Act 1 of 2023 removes out-of-pocket costs associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes as well as supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer. The law requires insurers to cover all costs associated for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A diagnosis of certain cancers such as breast cancer, as well as a family history of these cancers, are strong indicators that an individual may have a gene mutation associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome.
In addition, I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to visit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition website for very helpful information about such issues as: where to get a mammogram, how to get a ride to treatment, what to do if you don’t have insurance and information about paying for prescription medicines, and so much more. If you have questions and want to talk to someone directly, please contact the PBCC Director of Patient Advocacy at 610-622-3390 or [email protected]. You can also leave a message on the toll-free line at 800-377-8828, Ext. 3020.
Please join me in encouraging family members to know their risks and get checked every year. ••
Sen. Joe Picozzi represents the 5th District in Northeast Philadelphia.
