Ellmers, Wasserman Schultz Defend Breast Cancer Screenings

Press Release

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 3339 -- the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act.

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers:

"As a nurse who practiced for more than 21 years, I understand the significance of preventative medicine. Mammography screenings are one of the most important ways we can encourage prevention and help save lives. This is just one reason why today's legislation is so important, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with my friend, and breast cancer survivor, Debbie Wasserman Schultz."

"Should the USPSTF's proposed changes to national breast screening guidelines go into effect, upwards of 22 million women are at risk for losing access to mammograms. Plain and simple, this type of recommendation impairs access to breast cancer screenings and would be detrimental for women's health in this country."

"We need to do everything we can to aid women during their fight against breast cancer, but it's even more essential that we put measures in place for early detection. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this legislation in order to save lives."

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz:

"As a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at 41, I know how important early prevention and detection is to fighting this disease. The USPSTF's draft recommendations could endanger insurance coverage for women in their 40s as well as women who are at a higher risk for breast cancer. Additionally, the draft recommendations will result in many women in their forties who may be at risk, believing that they do not need to be screened until much later in life, potentially resulting in more advanced and later stage diagnoses. The USPSTF has argued that the costs of mammograms for women in this age group outweigh the potential life-saving benefits. Without insurance coverage, we know that many women, especially those from disadvantaged communities and populations, will forgo preventative screenings and tests."

"It is wrong of the USPSTF to write off any young woman in her forties who wants to have a mammogram, and this legislation's two-year moratorium will ensure we hear from the group most affected by these draft recommendations -- young women under the age of 50. I am proud to stand with my friend and colleague Renee Ellmers in defending early prevention and detection for breast cancer, and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with us."

Click here to view H.R. 3339 -- the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act.

The legislation would place a two-year moratorium on the USPSTF draft breast cancer screening recommendations. This would allow time for Congress and others to review concerns about the impact these recommendations would have on women being screened for this deadly disease, as well as concerns about the USPSTF process.

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