Brief Description: Establishing an early detection breast and cervical cancer screening program.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Deccio, Kastama, Parlette, Thibaudeau, McAuliffe, Brown, Rasmussen, Rockefeller and Kohl-Welles.

Hearing Date: 2/16/06

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. According to a report on cancer statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute, Washington has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the nation. According to the Department of Health (Department), early detection screening could prevent approximately 15 to 30 percent of breast cancer deaths among women over the age of 40.

Cervical cancer has a low incidence in the United States, but is most common in women over 40 years old. According to the CDC, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a strong risk factor for cervical cancer, but regular Pap tests can detect HPV infection and pre-cancers. It is reported that cervical cancer is highly curable when found early and treated.

In 1990, Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act to provide grants to states for the purpose of screening women for breast and cervical cancer. The CDC developed the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in 1991 to help low income, uninsured, and underserved women gain access to screening programs for early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Implemented in all 50 states, the program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, Pap tests, surgical consultation, and diagnostic testing for women with abnormal screening results.

The Department, through a CDC grant, administers a breast and cervical cancer early detection program for low-income women. Federal funding from fiscal year 2003 through 2007 is $20 million. The state is required to contribute $1 for every $3 of federal funding. The Legislature has appropriated $1.9 million for the 2005-2007 biennium for breast and cervical cancer screening, coordination, and outreach services.

Summary of Bill:

The Department shall administer an early detection breast and cervical cancer screening program for women from age 40 to 64 who are at 250 percent of federal poverty guidelines or less to assist them in obtaining preventive health services.

The program is to be state-supported and may be expanded to the extent that grants and contributions from community sources are received. Funding for the program must only be used to operate screening programs that have been approved by the Department or to increase access to existing state-approved programs. Funds may not be used to supplant federally-supported programs. It is the stated intent that the program only be offered as funds are available and only as long as the current federal funding level continues.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 13, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.