ACR Commission Chair Participates in Congressional Panel

Stamatia Destounis, MD, FACR, Chair of the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Breast Imaging Commission, participated in a virtual congressional briefing about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The event aimed to educate congressional staff and lawmakers about the need to advance policies that ensure all women have access to the full continuum of breast imaging care.

As a panelist, Dr. Destounis highlighted ACR breast cancer screening guidelines, which recommend all women have a risk assessment by age 25. The guidelines recommend annual mammography screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk and that women at higher risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctor about starting screening prior to age 40 and if they need additional screening methods.

Dr. Destounis also provided an overview of the imaging modalities that enhance early detection. All panelists emphasized how timely screening, especially for women with increased risk of breast cancer or presence of dense breast tissue, significantly improves outcomes. Panelists responded to questions and urged Hill staff to encourage their respective members of Congress to prioritize support breast cancer detection legislation.

The briefing highlighted legislation introduced this month by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), the Find It Early Act (SB 1410 – text not yet available). The bill would eliminate cost sharing for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging — including MRI, ultrasound, and diagnostic mammography — for women following an abnormal screening or those at higher risk due to breast density. Efforts are underway with bipartisan support from Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to reintroduce the Find It Early Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was introduced in the last Congress but did not advance.

ACR has several resources to promote breast cancer screening and early detection. For more information on breast health legislation, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Affairs Director and Katie Grady, ACR Government Affairs Director.