October Highlights Importance of Breast Cancer Screening

HARRISBURG — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors are encouraged to discuss their individual screening needs with a health care provider.

Pennsylvania has also enacted legislation addressing coverage for breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging. Act 1 of 2023 requires coverage of supplemental breast cancer screening, including MRI and ultrasound, for individuals at higher risk without out-of-pocket costs.

Act 52 of 2025 eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds used to evaluate an abnormal finding. Implementation of the law is currently underway, with full implementation expected by January 2028.

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Pennsylvania residents who are uninsured or have limited insurance coverage, including some people with high-deductible plans, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Information about available assistance is also available through the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer detected at its earliest stages has a five-year relative survival rate of 99 percent.