HARRISBURG – In an effort to continue raising awareness about the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) joined his colleagues in the state Senate to recognize May2026 as Mammography May. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC), Robinson is helping to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer through mammograms saves lives and asking his constituents to remind the important women in their lives not to skip their annual mammograms.
“Raising awareness is only part of the mission — early detection saves lives, so making sure women have access to life-saving screenings is even more important,” said Robinson. “90% of women survive at least five years after an early-stage diagnosis, which is why Pennsylvania has made its mark as a national leader in ensuring residents have access to critical early detection services for free.”
Pennsylvania law covers both breast cancer screenings and diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance. A groundbreaking law, Act 1 of 2023, eliminated out-of-pocket costs associated with breast cancer screening for high-risk patients covered under state-regulated insurance plans, and ensures supplemental tests – such as MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling – are fully covered. Act 52 of 2025, which expands on Act 1’s comprehensive coverage, will be fully implemented in 2028. Robinson is a proud supporter of both measures.
“Early detection should be within reach for every woman. Behind every mammogram is a life, a family, and a future,” said PA Breast Cancer Coalition President Pat Halpin-Murphy. “When we make mammograms accessible, we protect all three. Don’t miss your mammogram!”
The need for awareness and action remains critical. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationwide this year. In Pennsylvania, an average of 38 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Alarmingly, nearly one in four women aged 50 to 74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years, despite strong evidence that early detection drastically improves outcomes.
The Mammography May partnership between the Senate and PBCC was established in 2022 after Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) successfully fought and overcame breast cancer. She is now five years cancer-free. Finding gaps in the system during her cancer journey, Ward made it her mission to not only spread the word on the importance of early detection but also ensure Pennsylvania families have access to no-cost mammograms.
To learn more about Mammography May and early detection, please visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Mammo May webpage or call Sen. Robinson’s office at 717-787-5839.