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Public Policy in Arizona

More than 3,220 Arizona women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 700 will die this year alone. Due to gaps in research, public policy and access to quality care, a breast cancer diagnosis is much deadlier for the poor, those with little or no health insurance, and racial and ethnic minorities.

• The Well Woman Health Check program provides free mammograms and early detection services to uninsured and low-income women. Well Woman HealthCheck receives funds from CDC through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The state of Arizona also provides funding, along with private organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• To be eligible, a woman must be between 40 and 64, and her income must be between 100% and 250% of the poverty line.
• Senator Amanda Aguirre has increased funding for Well Women HealthCheck Program by establishing a special edition breast cancer license plate. It contributes $17 on every $25 registration fee.
• Arizona chose the most restrictive option in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act which  denies Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage to women with breast cancer based solely on where they were screened. Uninsured and underinsured women who are diagnosed through Well Woman HealthCheck may receive treatment services through Medicaid while those screened outside the Well Woman program are not eligible for Medicaid funded treatment. Sign our petition to expand the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act funding.

The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is calling attention to the disparity in early detection of breast cancer among women in Arizona. It is well documented that early detection can save women's lives. Unfortunately, right now it's current funding level, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program only serves approximately 8% of the eligible women in Arizona. The Phoenix Affiliate will continue it's effort to end breast cancer and close the gap for women of color, rural women and low-income women by advocating to increase access to early detection services for all women in Arizona.

The Phoenix and Southern Arizona affiliates met with Representative Ann Kirkpatrick on April 29, 2010 in Washington DC at Komen Advocay Alliance Lobby Day. Pictured are Danielle and Grace Piccarreta, Carol Cullivan, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Mary Dokes, Abigail Midgette and Carl and Jennie Piccarreta.

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