Rep. Gilchrest Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Working Group

October 28, 2021

REPRESENTATIVE GILCHREST LAUNCHES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WORKING GROUP

Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D- West Hartford), Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, has launched a Breast Cancer Awareness Working Group. The working group held their first meeting during Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 27th.

“1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer. We know that early detection is the most effective way to save the life of anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, but early detection is not accessible to everyone. While white women are more likely to be diagnosed, Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer,” said Rep. Gilchrest. “It is extremely important that we create equitable access to care for everyone in our community. While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we must raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year and continue this work until we achieve equity.” 

During the 2021 legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation to create a Breast Cancer Working Group. This group aims to raise breast cancer awareness and develop policy solutions regarding breast health, early detection of breast cancer, and affordable detection options. The working group will specifically examine payment options for early breast cancer detection services available to young women of color and high school students.

The Breast Cancer Working Group will send all policy and advocacy recommendations to the legislature by the start of the 2022 legislative session on February 1st, 2022.

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