STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) to improve breast cancer screening and prevention for Hoosier women.
House Enrolled Act 1058 ensures mammogram providers inform patients if they have dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect. According to the National Cancer Institute, dense breasts are not considered an abnormal breast condition or a disease. However, dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer.
“Many of us know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. It can be a devastating and overwhelming diagnosis,” Goss-Reaves said. "This new law will improve screenings and ensure more women are informed of their breast cancer risks."
About half of women who are 40 years old or older have dense breasts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mammography is less sensitive in women with dense breast and more likely to miss cancer.
In addition, the new law adds aesthetic flat closer and chest wall reconstruction to the insurance coverage of breast cancer rehabilitative services and reconstruction surgery. Also, any woman insured under a state employee health plan can receive additional coverage for medical and surgical benefits relating to a post-mastectomy procedure.
House Enrolled Act 1058 took effect July 1. Visit iga.in.gov for more information on new laws.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signs State Rep. Sharon Negele's (R-Attica) law improving breast cancer screening and prevention for Hoosier women Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Bill co-authors State Reps. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) (seated, left), Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) (standing, fourth from left), and State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) (standing, fifth from right) joined Holcomb (seated, center) and Negele (seated, right). Representatives from Dant Advocacy, Hoosier Breast Cancer Advocacy, Lilly, Indiana University of Medicine, Indiana Commission for Women and Catalyst were also present.
