TALLAHASSEE, FL – February 4, 2022 – Today, the Senate released their budget priorities for the 2022 session including a dedicated $1.83 million in funding for the Mary Brogan Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection as part of their priorities.
The below is a statement on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in reaction and can be attributed to Florida Senior Government Relations Director, Susan Harbin.
“We’re grateful for today’s commitment from Senate lawmakers that ensures access to affordable, timely screenings and a reliable path to treatment for individuals diagnosed. After such an arduous year for cancer care and screenings, it’s our hope lawmakers build on their commitment by increasing funding for the lifesaving program to reflect the severity of the pandemic’s impact on cancer care.
“Breast and cervical cancer screening rates fell 80% at the beginning of the pandemic, cancer diagnoses were down by nearly half last year and we have yet to return to pre-pandemic screening rates. A $3 million investment in the Mary Brogan program would allow Florida to provide the resources necessary to truly address today’s massive backlog in screenings -- particularly in our Black and Latin communities that have been hardest hit financially and make up the majority of individuals eligible for the program.
“On behalf of all families touched by cancer, including the governor’s, we look forward to working with the Senate to ensure such lifesaving action at such a pivotal point in the fight against cancer.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Florida. More than 20,000 Floridians are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone, a number that has yet to reflect the effects of the pandemic.