California state senator Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) has introduced a bill that aims to reverse recent cuts to that state's low income breast cancer screening program.
On January 1, the California Department of Public Health's Every Woman Counts program for low-income women raised the eligibility age for screening services from 40 to 50 years of age and older. It also suspended all new enrollments for breast cancer screening until July 2, 2010.
Oropeza's bill, SB 836, would restore access to free screening and diagnostic services for low-income women. It also would require that breast cancer services be provided to all individuals exhibiting symptoms, regardless of age, and to individuals 40 and older.
"The decision to suspend screening is a slap at California's low-income women," Oropeza said in a statement. "Those who can least afford help in detecting and fighting this deadly disease are the ones most affected."
Related Reading
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California to raise mammo screening age, December 15, 2009
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U.S. Senate boosts preventive care for women, December 3, 2009
U.S. debate over mammograms splits along party lines, December 3, 2009
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