A new report released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) last month revealed a shift in the burden of the disease from men to women. Cases of cancer are declining in men while diagnoses are rising in women, specifically younger women. A continued drop in cancer mortality was also noted in the report, thanks in part to advances in early detection and treatment of cancer. The report coincides with the beginning of the 2025 legislative session and the recent introduction of House Bill 433. Supporters of Representative Gina Curry’s legislative proposal include the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of ACS, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and Susan G. Komen For the Cure. One ACS CAN volunteer, a local Pittsburgh breast cancer survivor, is sounding the alarm on the recent report and urging state lawmakers to see House Bill 433 as an opportunity to address the troubling trend.
In 2025, more than 13,650 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 2,000 are expected to die from the disease. House Bill 433 represents a bipartisan opportunity to address the financial barriers to Pennsylvanians’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screening by removing the costs associated with diagnostic and supplemental imaging.
Pittsburgh native Marina Posvar is a two-time breast cancer survivor who has spent much of the intervening 30 years since her treatment advocating for Pennsylvanians in the fight against cancer. She views House Bill 433 as a critical step toward improving mortality rates for breast cancer.
“The single best thing that state leaders can do to reduce their constituents’ chance of dying from breast cancer is to break down existing barriers to screening. Early detection changes the game in breast cancer. Had I been diagnosed at a more advanced stage, I don’t know that I would have made it to see my two young sons turn another year older,” said Posvar.
A recent study conducted by ACS CAN found that over 70% of commercially-insured patients encountered out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic tests in 2023. While screening mammograms are free to most insured women starting at age 40, follow-up testing after a suspected or actual abnormal screening often results in out-of-pocket cost sharing for patients. The report showed the out-of-pocket costs across procedures varied across states with Pennsylvania having an average out-of-pocket cost share of nearly 32%.
Posvar continued, “Out-of-pocket obligations only serve to limit the completion of the breast cancer screening process. House Bill 433 is looking to address that and ensure more Pennsylvanians can get screened. As a breast cancer survivor and ACS CAN volunteer, I couldn’t be happier to see lawmakers introduce this critical legislation.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.