HHS launches new initiative to boost breast cancer screening
Health and Human Services is launching a new initiative aimed at boosting breast cancer screening, with a particular focus on dense tissue and the challenges it poses.
The key federal agency said Tuesday that it soon plans to strengthen screening services, expand breast density education and improve timely diagnostic follow-up, “particularly for midlife women.” HHS—through its Office on Women’s Health—is coordinating with both the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and DenseBreast-info.org on the initiative.
Those involved said they plan to analyze national screening and follow-up patterns to help inform their work. A collaborative of over 40 hospital systems also plans to “expand evidence-based practices” and address delays in care that could impact patient outcomes, according to Health and Human Services.
“President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are driving a new focus on women’s health at every stage of life,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement Oct. 27. “HHS is strengthening breast cancer screening, expanding breast density education, and improving follow-up so women can detect cancer earlier and get the care they need faster. We are putting prevention, early detection, and timely action at the center of breast health.”
The initiative comes a week after the president issued an executive order, calling for actions to advance women’s health and improve patient outcomes. As part of the project, the Office on Women’s Health and DenseBreast-info.org have signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to collaborate on ways to promote understanding of breast cancer screening and necessary diagnostic follow-up options.
“Women deserve clear information about breast cancer screening options beyond mammography, particularly if they have dense breasts or other risk factors,” added Tammy Huizenga, DO, senior advisor for nutrition and women’s health at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. “Understanding their individual risk and available options helps women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions that support earlier detection.”
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.