Governor Lamont and Public Health Officials Encourage Breast Cancer Screenings, Highlight State Program Providing Access To Free Mammograms

WATCH: News conference encouraging breast cancer screenings

(NEW HAVEN, CT) - In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, held a news conference today to encourage women across Connecticut to obtain regular breast cancer screenings, noting that early detection of breast cancer is when it is most treatable.

Additionally, the officials highlighted the availability of a program in Connecticut that connects patients to these screenings at low or no cost for those who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance.

Anyone can develop breast cancer. The standard screening test for breast cancer is called a mammogram, which are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in those who may not be showing or be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendsthat all women get screened for breast cancer every other year, starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74.

"Getting screened on a regular basis is key to detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable," Governor Lamont said. "We have incredible medical services in Connecticut that specialize in detecting and treating breast cancer. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we can connect you with providers that will give you a mammogram at no cost. This is critically important and can save your life."

"I'm so proud that Connecticut has been at the forefront of raising awareness and promoting access to life-saving early detection tools, like mammograms," Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. "I cannot say it enough - early detection saves lives. I know that asking questions and booking appointments can be anxiety inducing, but it's too important to skip. When cancer is caught earlier - before it even has a chance to grow or spread - it is much easier to treat."

"Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer," Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said. "Regular mammograms are still the best method to find breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. The Department of Public Health's Early Detection and Prevention Program provides education, no-cost screening, diagnostic and treatment services for breast and cervical cancer, to low income, uninsured, and under insured women. Over the last five years, the program provided many no-cost services, including over 12,000 mammograms. These screenings save lives."

Connecticut ranks fourth in the nation for breast cancer screening rates in women 40 years and older at 76.2%, which is higher than the national rate of 70.2%. In 2021, the Connecticut incidence of breast cancer was 157.9 per 100,000 women - the highest rate in the U.S. because preventative screenings are working.

People who live in Connecticut and cannot afford regular mammograms may be eligible for free services. The Connecticut Department of Public Health's Early Detection and Prevention Programprovides breast cancer screenings at locations throughout the state for patients who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance. The program's services are offered at 21 hospitals, 40 federally qualified health centers, and 15 Planned Parenthood clinics throughout Connecticut, with approximately 5,000 residents screened annually for breast cancer.

Anyone who needs assistance obtaining a mammogram can find resources available online at ct.gov/dph/screeningor they can call 860-509-7804 for more information.