Sen. Devlin Robinson joined colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate to recognize May as Mammography May, according to a May 14 statement. The effort, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, aims to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection through mammograms.
The initiative is intended to remind women not to skip their annual mammograms and emphasizes that early detection can save lives. “Raising awareness is only part of the mission — early detection saves lives, so making sure women have access to life-saving screenings is even more important,” said Robinson. “90% of women survive at least five years after an early-stage diagnosis, which is why Pennsylvania has made its mark as a national leader in ensuring residents have access to critical early detection services for free.”
Pennsylvania law requires both breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging be covered at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance plans. Act 1 of 2023 eliminated out-of-pocket costs for high-risk patients and ensures supplemental tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing are fully covered. Act 52 of 2025 expands on this coverage and will be fully implemented in 2028.
PA Breast Cancer Coalition President Pat Halpin-Murphy said, “Early detection should be within reach for every woman. Behind every mammogram is a life, a family, and a future. When we make mammograms accessible, we protect all three. Don’t miss your mammogram!”
The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationwide this year; in Pennsylvania alone an average of 38 women are diagnosed daily. Nearly one in four women aged 50 to 74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years despite evidence that early screening improves outcomes.
The Mammography May partnership began after Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward overcame breast cancer herself five years ago and sought systemic improvements for Pennsylvanians’ access to no-cost screening.
Robinson has supported initiatives related to veterans, first responders, law enforcement, small businesses and healthcare access; he represents parts of Allegheny County and maintains offices across Pittsburgh, Wexford and Harrisburg according to the official website.
