D’Amico Fights to Ensure Women Receive Life Saving Breast Cancer Screenings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Under legislation sponsored by state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, women will have greater access to life-saving breast cancer screenings done with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

“Cost of care shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to receiving life-saving breast cancer screenings,” D’Amico said. “Early detection is a key factor in the fight against breast cancer, and these MRI exams can be a vital first step in early identification, especially for women that have a family history with the disease.”

Under D’Amico’s proposal, Senate Bill 314, more women would be able to receive MRI screenings in addition to a mammogram. While a mammogram is recommended for most women, research has shown that an additional MRI screening can increase detection for breast cancer for women with a strong family history of breast cancer. It does not serve as a replacement, but is considered an important complementary screening tool. Some insurance companies do not cover the breast MRI screenings, which has provided the need for Senate Bill 314.

“Nearly every one of us have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” D’Amico said. “By increasing access to early detection measures, we are helping to save the lives of our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces and aunts.”

Senate Bill 314 passed the House and Senate and is waiting to be signed into law by the governor.