The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has released a report on state-level policy progress and challenges from 2012. The report analyzes how state policy and funding affect cancer prevention and treatment in the United States.
According to the report, federal and state budget cuts are impacting the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a program providing breast and cervical cancer screening access and follow-up care to low-income women. In 2011, nearly half of all states reduced BCCEDP funding, and currently, 20% of BCCEDP-eligible women in the US receive screening. Several states have supplemented low BCCEDP funding by leveraging other public and private funds.
The report advocates for policy makers to continue funding state BCCEDP programs, and when cuts become necessary, to seek alternative funding sources for this important screening program.