Connecticut state officials held a news conference today in Wallingford to encourage women to obtain regular breast cancer screenings and to highlight a state program providing free or low-cost mammograms to low-income residents with no or limited health insurance. Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani made the announcement during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women receive breast cancer screenings every other year, starting at age 40 through age 74. A mammogram—an x-ray exam designed to detect breast cancer—is the standard screening test.
Connecticut's Early Detection and Prevention Program provides breast cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment assistance at no cost to eligible low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women. The program operates at 21 hospitals, 40 federally qualified health centers, and 15 Planned Parenthood clinics throughout the state, where approximately 5,000 residents are screened annually. Over the past five years, the program has delivered more than 16,000 mammograms. Residents seeking assistance can contact the program at 860-509-7804 or visit ct.gov/dph/screening.
Connecticut has the highest breast cancer incidence rate in the United States. In 2023, the state recorded 147.5 cases per 100,000 women, compared to the national rate of 133.8 per 100,000. The American Cancer Society estimates that Connecticut will see 3,940 new breast cancer diagnoses in 2026, part of a projected 310,700 cases nationally.
"Not only do we want to stress the importance of getting mammograms for early detection and treatment, but we also want to spread the word that here in Connecticut we make no-cost breast cancer screenings available because everyone should have access to these medical services," Governor Lamont said. "If you are uninsured or underinsured, we can connect you with providers that will give you a mammogram at no cost."