Indy Standard

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) to improve breast cancer screening and prevention for Hoosier women.

House Enrolled Act 1058 ensures mammogram providers inform patients if they have dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect. According to the National Cancer Institute, dense breasts are not considered an abnormal breast condition or a disease. However, dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer.

“The passage of this legislation increases the awareness of cancer risks associated with dense breast tissue," said Barrett, chair of the House Public Health Committee. "By ensuring better opportunities for early detection and treatment for breast cancer, women have a better chance to fight off this devastating disease."

About half of women who are 40 years old or older have dense breasts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mammography is less sensitive in women with dense breasts and more likely to miss cancer.

In addition, the new law adds aesthetic flat closure and chest wall reconstruction to the insurance coverage of breast cancer rehabilitative services and reconstruction surgery. Also, any woman insured under a state employee health plan can receive additional coverage for medical and surgical benefits relating to a post-mastectomy procedure.

House Enrolled Act 1058 went into effect on July 1. For more information on new laws visit iga.in.gov.

State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56, which includes portions of Wayne County.

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