HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, whose untiring advocacy on behalf of women’s health has made Connecticut a leader in early breast cancer detection and treatment, co-hosted his Second Annual Are You Dense? Day last week at the Legislative Office Building.
The event featured a breast cancer awareness award bestowed by U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1, and speeches by physicians, advocates, and legislators about the importance of accurate mammograms and early detection.
“It is essential that we continue to get the word out about this dense breast tissue issue. Public information on this condition is literally saving lives,” Crisco said. “Today was a great day. It was educational, enlightening, and informative.”
Are You Dense? Day is named for a condition in nearly half of all women in which ‘dense” breast tissue prevents a normal mammogram from detecting cancerous tumors; 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue, and breast density predicts the accuracy of a mammogram at any age.
As Senate Chairman of the Insurance Committee, Crisco has led the passage of several important laws regarding women’s breast health, including notification from a health care provider if a woman has dense breast tissue, and requiring insurance companies to cover an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for women with dense breast tissue.
These aids to early detection and treatment are making a difference.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, while Connecticut has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in the nation (because it is detected), Connecticut also ranks as one of the lowest states in America where women actually die of the disease (because they receive treatment.)
This is a press release from Crisco's office.
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