Pennsylvania Launches Mammography Month to Promote Early Breast Cancer Detection

Breast cancer death rates in the United States have fallen dramatically by 43% since 1990 thanks to widespread mammography use, according to the American College of Radiology. However, that progress has stalled in recent years for women ages 40–74, while late-stage (Stage 4) diagnoses have risen significantly across all age groups between 2004 and 2021.

In response, the Pennsylvania Senate has designated May as Mammography Month through a resolution sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Hempfield), a breast cancer survivor. The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage organizations and individuals statewide to promote annual screenings beginning at age 40, as recommended by the American College of Radiology.

### High Stakes and Proven Benefits
The need is urgent. The American Cancer Society projects nearly 322,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer nationwide in 2026, with an average of 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed each day.

A 2019 study in the National Library of Medicine showed that women who receive regular mammograms had a 60% lower mortality rate at 10 years and 47% lower at 20 years compared to unscreened women with similar access to treatment. Screened women also faced 25% lower risk of advanced cancer. Despite these benefits, about 1 in 4 women ages 50–74 have not had a mammogram in the past two years.

**Dr. Matt Miller**, a diagnostic radiologist at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) in Sewickley, has seen the life-saving impact firsthand. During his first year of radiology training, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29.

“Mammograms are the single most effective way to help yourself survive a breast cancer diagnosis,” Miller said. “The best way for us to treat cancer is to detect it early while it’s still small and before it spreads.”

In daily practice, his team detects four to six breast cancers per 1,000 mammograms. He notes that while age 40 serves as a general guideline, breast cancer can develop at any age, with incidence peaking in the early 50s. Early detection has made the difference for many patients, including cases caught at very young ages.

### Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions
Miller frequently encounters hesitation rooted in outdated fears. Many women worry about radiation exposure or discomfort during the exam.

“The radiation dose from a mammogram is very small — equivalent to a trans-Atlantic flight to Paris,” he explained. “People don’t cancel their European trips over that radiation, and they shouldn’t skip their mammogram either.”

Modern techniques have also improved comfort significantly. Compression is much gentler than in past decades, making the procedure tolerable for most patients.

Thermography (digital infrared thermal imaging) is not a reliable substitute. “Thermography has never been shown to be a reliable screening tool for breast cancer,” Miller said. The FDA agrees, noting it is not effective as a standalone test for early detection. Miller regularly diagnoses patients who relied on negative thermograms only to later discover cancer.

### Survivor Stories and Improved Access in Pennsylvania
Senator Kim Ward was diagnosed during the pandemic and credits early detection with her successful outcome.

“Early detection saves lives,” Ward said. “Breast cancer is a diagnosis that changes your life forever. Fortunately for me, I caught it early... and I am now five years cancer-free.”

Pennsylvania has taken significant steps to improve access. Building on earlier advocacy, Act 52 of 2025 expands insurance coverage for diagnostic breast imaging and broadens eligibility for no-cost supplemental screenings (such as MRIs and ultrasounds) for high-risk individuals. This includes those with dense breast tissue, family history, or other risk factors.

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition praised the progress. “Early detection should be within reach for every woman,” said President Pat Halpin Murphy. “Behind every mammogram is a life, a family and a future.”

AHN further supports accessibility by offering free walk-in, no-prescription mammograms at eight of its breast care centers, even for the uninsured.

Dr. Miller welcomes the heightened focus. “Any emphasis on mammography and early detection of breast cancer is wanted, needed and, quite frankly, overdue,” he said. “I’m hoping that patients will see this announcement and take that as a reminder... If you’re overdue for a mammogram, come get it.”