Sen. Fasano Applauds Bill Signing to Enhance Guidelines for Cancer Screenings

L to R; Sen. Kevin Kelly, Sen. Len Fasano, seated Governor Malloy and Dr. Nancy Cappello in yellow jacket standing

Hartford, CT – State Senator Len Fasano attended a July 20 bill signing ceremony with Governor Dannel P. Malloy at the State Capitol for a bill which enhances guidelines for cancer screenings. Sen. Fasano sponsored the bill and helped guide it through the legislative process.

Senator Fasano said, “Connecticut has been on the forefront of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. This new law will give women access to a more complete range of screening options.”

Right now in Connecticut, current laws governing breast cancer screenings require insurance policies cover baseline mammograms for women age 35 to 39 and yearly mammograms for women age 40 or older. Additionally, laws require coverage for a breast ultrasound if a mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue, or there is family history of cancer.

Many other states are following Connecticut’s lead.

Also at the bill signing ceremony was a leading advocate in this fight, Dr. Nancy Cappello. According to Dr. Cappello – a breast cancer survivor from Woodbury and founder of Are You Dense, Inc. – Texas recently passed a breast density information bill like Connecticut’s and other states are looking to emulate Connecticut law.

“Early detection is important in preventing and safeguarding against the more advanced, and costly, stages of disease whether it be breast cancer, or colorectal. These screening guidelines will help Connecticut residents get the best information possible,” said Sen. Fasano.

Here are additional bills that Senator Fasano sponsored and have now become law:

• Public Act 12-150, An Act Concerning Guidelines For Health Insurance Coverage For Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Public Act 12-61, An Act Concerning Guidelines For Health Insurance Coverage For Colorectal Cancer Screening.