Governor Lamont and Public Health Officials Encourage Breast Cancer Screenings, Highlight State Program Providing Access To Free Mammograms

October Is Recognized Nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(WALLINGFORD, CT) - In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, held a news conference today to encourage women across Connecticut to obtain regular breast cancer screenings, noting that early detection of breast cancer is when it is most treatable.

Additionally, the officials highlighted the availability of a program in Connecticut that connects patients to these screenings at low or no cost for those who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance.

Anyone can develop breast cancer. The standard screening test for breast cancer is called a mammogram, which are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in those who may not be showing or be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women get screened for breast cancer every other year, starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74.

"Not only do we want to stress the importance of getting mammograms for early detection and treatment, but we also want to spread the word that here in Connecticut we make no-cost breast cancer screenings available because everyone should have access to these medical services," Governor Lamont said. "If you are uninsured or underinsured, we can connect you with providers that will give you a mammogram at no cost. This is critically important and can save your life."

"Thanks to advances in technology and increased awareness of the disease, combined with access to better treatments, we have been able to identify breast cancer in earlier stages and have reduced breast cancer death rates. Yet, too often women don't get their regular mammogram, delaying diagnosis and delaying treatment," Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. "I know that self-examination, mammograms, and talking to your care provider can be anxiety inducing, but it's too important to skip-and if you are uninsured or underinsured, your mammogram could be free. Early detection saves lives."

"When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful and that starts with a mammogram," Commissioner Juthani said. "No one in Connecticut should skip a screening because of cost or insurance. Our Early Detection and Prevention Program provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services to eligible women who are low-income, uninsured or underinsured. Over the past five years, this program has delivered more than 16,000 mammograms. Every one of those screenings is a chance to catch cancer early and save lives."

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all races and ethnicities. The American Cancer Society estimates more 310,700 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026 in United States with 3,940 new cases in Connecticut. In 2023, the Connecticut incidence of breast cancer was 147.5 per 100,000 women-the highest rate in the U.S. (U.S. rate 133.8/100,000)-because preventive screenings are working.

People who live in Connecticut and cannot afford regular mammograms may be eligible for free services. The Connecticut Department of Public Health's Early Detection and Prevention Program provides breast cancer screenings at locations throughout the state for patients who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance. The program's services are offered at 21 hospitals, 40 federally qualified health centers, and 15 Planned Parenthood clinics throughout Connecticut, with approximately 5,000 residents screened annually for breast cancer.

Anyone who needs assistance obtaining a mammogram can find resources available online at ct.gov/dph/screening or they can call 860-509-7804 for more information.