HHS Launches Coordinated Effort to Strengthen Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

WASHINGTON, D.C.-OCTOBER 27, 2026-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office on Women's Health (OWH), today announced coordinated efforts with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and DenseBreast-info.org (DBI) to strengthen breast cancer screening, expand breast density education, and improve timely diagnostic follow-up, particularly for midlife women.

"President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are driving a new focus on women's health at every stage of life," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "HHS is strengthening breast cancer screening, expanding breast density education, and improving follow-up so women can detect cancer earlier and get the care they need faster. We are putting prevention, early detection, and timely action at the center of breast health."

The OWH-AHRQ Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Follow-up Initiative will analyze national screening and follow-up patterns. A collaborative of more than 40 health systems will expand evidence-based practices and address delays in care.

"Women deserve clear information about breast cancer screening options beyond mammography, particularly if they have dense breasts or other risk factors," said Tammy Huizenga, DO, Senior Advisor for Nutrition and Women's Health, AHRQ. "Understanding their individual risk and available options helps women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions that support earlier detection."

Additionally, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), OWH and DenseBreast-info.org (DBI) will collaborate to expand access to evidence-based educational resources that improve breast density awareness, support informed discussions between women and their healthcare providers, and promote understanding of breast cancer screening and diagnostic follow-up options.

"Women should have the information they need to understand their breast cancer risk and make informed decisions about screening with their healthcare providers," said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine. "By strengthening breast density education and promoting timely follow-up, we can help women take a more informed and proactive role in their health."

These efforts support President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's Executive Order Advancing Women's Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life by translating evidence into improved prevention, early detection, and care for women throughout their lives.

"Clear information, high-quality screening, and timely follow-up are essential to earlier detection," said Deb Kilday, MSN, RN, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and Acting Director of OWH. "Our work with AHRQ and DenseBreast-info.org supports the goals of the Executive Order Advancing Women's Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life by helping women access clear, medically accurate information and make informed decisions about their breast health."

Learn more at womenshealth.gov.