Sinema Introduces Reauthorization of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is leading a bipartisan, bicameral push to renew the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) for five years through the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act.

The program, which was first implemented in 1991, allows low-income and inadequately insured women to better access screening, diagnostic, and treatment for breast and cervical cancer. In the 33 years since its inception, the NBCCEDP has provided:

• More than 16.5 million breast and cervical cancer screening examinations.
• Diagnosed nearly 80,000 invasive cases of breast cancer.
• 25,000 premalignant breast lesions.
• Almost 5,300 cases of cervical cancer.

"Our legislation ensures the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program may continue providing lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic, and treatment services to women in underserved communities," said Sen. Sinema in her press release.

Notably, the SCREENS Act does not require additional funding, as it extends the sunset for the NBCCEDP through 2028. This means that the continued funding of the program allows cases of breast and cervical cancer to be caught in earlier stages, thereby saving money on treatment.

"Currently, the U.S. spends approximately $30 billion annually on breast cancer treatments. This could be significantly reduced if more women receive their annual screenings and the disease is caught early. For cervical cancer, the current expenditure is approximately $12 billion annually," Sen. Sinema's press release further noted.

In July, the Arizona Senator marked July 17th as Glioblastoma Awareness Day, which promoted and generated support for efforts in fighting brain cancer, which has claimed figures such as Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Beau Biden, second son of President Joe Biden.

"Glioblastoma Awareness Day honors Senator John McCain – my personal hero – and the thousands of Americans who have battled or continue to battle brain cancers and their caregivers. We'll continue strengthening efforts to find a cure and develop new treatments for this disease and other brain cancers," said Sinema.