HHS Launches Coordinated Effort to Strengthen Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection: More Than 40 Health Systems Join, With Expanded Breast Density Education
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on October 27 that, through the Office on Women's Health (OWH), it is coordinating with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and DenseBreast-info.org (DBI) to strengthen breast cancer screening, expand breast density education, and improve timely diagnostic follow-up, particularly for midlife women.
According to HHS, the OWH–AHRQ Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Follow-up Initiative will analyze national screening and follow-up patterns, and a collaborative of more than 40 health systems will expand evidence-based practices and address delays in care. In addition, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), OWH and DenseBreast-info.org will collaborate to expand access to evidence-based educational resources that improve breast density awareness and support informed discussions between women and their healthcare providers about screening and diagnostic follow-up options.
"President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are driving a new focus on women's health at every stage of life," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "HHS is strengthening breast cancer screening, expanding breast density education, and improving follow-up so women can detect cancer earlier and get the care they need faster. We are putting prevention, early detection, and timely action at the center of breast health."
"Women deserve clear information about breast cancer screening options beyond mammography, particularly if they have dense breasts or other risk factors," said Tammy Huizenga, DO, Senior Advisor for Nutrition and Women's Health at AHRQ. "Understanding their individual risk and available options helps women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions that support earlier detection."
Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine said women should have the information they need to understand their breast cancer risk and make informed decisions about screening with their healthcare providers, and that strengthening breast density education and promoting timely follow-up can help women take a more informed and proactive role in their health. Deb Kilday, MSN, RN, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and Acting Director of OWH, said clear information, high-quality screening, and timely follow-up are essential to earlier detection, and that the work with AHRQ and DenseBreast-info.org helps women access clear, medically accurate information and make informed decisions about their breast health.
HHS said the efforts support President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's Executive Order Advancing Women's Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life by translating evidence into improved prevention, early detection, and care. More information is available at womenshealth.gov.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：San Diego海军医疗中心乳腺健康中心，首席乳房X光技师 Carmen Waters 协助一名患者准备乳房X光检查。照片由美国海军 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Moon 拍摄，为美国联邦政府作品、公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons 使用。Image: Lead Mammography Technologist Carmen Waters assists a patient preparing for a mammography at Naval Medical Center San Diego's Breast Health Center. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Moon, a work of the U.S. federal government in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
