Cancer Screening Initiative

One in Seven Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Chances are that sometime today you’ll find yourself in a situation where a group of women has gathered — maybe at the grocery store or picking up your child at school, maybe at a staff meeting at work, or while shopping at the local mall. Anywhere where more than seven women are gathered, one of them will someday be diagnosed with breast cancer. So, next time you find yourself in a crowded room, stop for a moment and start counting. Then ask yourself what you can do to change those odds.

In 2004, the Oregon state legislature confirmed that insurance companies offering policies in Oregon must provide coverage for breast and cervical cancer screening exams. This coverage was formerly subject to the "sunset" provision, requiring re-approval every 6 years, but is now part of permanent law.

Working with the OHSU Center for Women's Health Policy/Development Team, and in consultation with the bipartisan Oregon Women's Health and Wellness Alliance, PATH for Women chose to address this issue — coverage of breast and cervical screening — as its first initiative.

Learn more about the Cancer Screening Initiative (.pdf)