DeLauro Statement on Release of USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations

WASHINGTON, DC (January 12, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement regarding the new United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) breast cancer screening recommendations.

“The new breast cancer screening recommendations released today will confuse patients, jeopardize access to mammograms, and put lives at risk. Thankfully, insurance coverage for mammograms will not change until 2018 because of a provision I fought to have included in the recently passed budget bill. Women and their doctors need the ability to make the best decisions according to their individual needs and risk factors. Mammography is not perfect, but right now it is the best method we have to detect and treat breast cancer."

In July, Congresswoman DeLauro offered language included in the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related agencies Appropriations bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 included similar language to ensure that insurance coverage for screening will not change until 2018. In May, Congresswoman DeLauro joined a bicameral group of 62 Members of Congress in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services.

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