Pryor celebrates ceremonial signing of bill to expand breast cancer screening and survivor resources

Today, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) attended the ceremonial signing for House Enrolled Act 1058. This bill requires facilities to take breast tissue density into account when performing a mammogram as dense tissue makes it difficult to spot signs of breast cancer in mammograms. Additionally, this bill also expands the definition of breast reconstruction to include aesthetic flat closure and chest wall reconstruction. 

“I was so proud to be a co-author on this bill to increase the chances of early detection of breast cancer,” Rep. Pryor said. “Mammography alone does not always catch cancer before it develops into stage three or stage four. For women with higher density breast tissue, which is more common in Black women, additional screenings are needed to determine if cancer is present. 

“According to a recent study on maternal health, Indiana is among the states with the highest death rate from breast cancer. Catching breast cancer early increases the survival rate by 93%. This bill will save lives.

“Additionally, breast cancer survivors deserve access to care that allows them to live the rest of their life with dignity. After enduring months of painful, life-altering treatment, breast reconstruction allows them to celebrate their triumph over this disease in comfort. This bill expands the definition of breast reconstruction to include chest wall reconstruction and aesthetic flat closure so that more women can access these procedures.

“I want to thank my co-authors on this bill, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and all the Hoosiers who came out to support this legislation. This is an incredibly impactful step to protect Hoosier women and support survivors of breast cancer.”