Georgia's Online Cancer Information Center

Following personal battle, Sen. Klobuchar promotes preventative cancer screening legislation

10/28/2021, Kristin Kasper, WRDW - TV

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Following the news of her cancer diagnosis, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) says she began working on legislation to improve awareness and access to preventative cancer care.

“One of the things I learned from this whole thing, is that there are so many people that have put off their preventative screenings,” she said. “I did.”

Klobuchar was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer in the spring. She has since been declared cancer-free.

According to Klobuchar, studies have found that more than one in three adults reported delaying or forgoing health care because of coronavirus-related concerns. Other statistics show that the odds that a woman received a breast cancer screening were 20 percent lower in 2020 compared to 2019.

ADVERTISEMENT

As breast cancer awareness month comes to an end, Klobuchar introduced the Preventative Care Awareness Act in the U.S Senate.

“We put together this bill focused on early screenings and making sure people understand this is available to you,” said Klobuchar.

The bill would promote physicals, mammograms, and other routine examinations by decreasing health disparities through grants, establishing a task force, and directing the administration to implement a public health education campaign.

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) are also named on the bill.

“Receiving regular health screenings from your doctor could save your life,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in a press release. “My family has seen the importance of preventive health care firsthand as my wife, Jean, has been battling cancer since 2019. Unfortunately, thousands of American families share my family’s story and witness how a scheduled check-up can turn into lifesaving early detection of a horrific disease.”

Copyright 2021 Gray DC. All rights reserved.

View More

Media, News & Events

Looking Across Disciplines to Share the Breadth of Innovation in Cancer Care

On July 25, 2023, The American Journal of Managed Care® brought its Institute for Value-Based Medicine (IVBM) series to Atlanta, Georgia, where nnovation was on the agenda.

8/22/2023

DNA sequencing can lead to longer, better lives for cancer patients. But why do so few get it?

Guidelines now call for everyone diagnosed with advanced lung and colon cancer to get their tumor genetically sequenced, and increasingly, patients with earlier stage disease, as well.

6/09/2023

Georgia CORE releases report from Disparities in Cancer Clinical Trials Summit

On Sept. 30, Georgia's cancer experts shared advice and experiences with oncology providers, patient navigators and research managers - all to provide new ways to diversify participation in clinical trials. In February 2023, Georgia CORE issued a report with a recap and actions steps. Download the report >>

10/25/2022

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Our email newsletter allows you to get the most up-to-date information right in your Inbox.

Subscribe Now
Georgia CORE

 

Advancing Cancer Care through Partnerships and Innovation

Georgia CORE is a statewide nonprofit that leverages partnerships and innovation to attract more clinical trials, increase research, and promote education and early detection to improve cancer care for Georgians in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the state.