
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about, and acknowledge those who have battled the disease that claims more than 40,000 lives in America each year.
Coloradans now have one more layer of support to help with life-saving early detection measures. Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-296 into law on May 29. It requires health plans in the state to cover the cost of a wider range of screening options. Sponsors of the legislation say it aims to ensure that more Coloradans have equitable access to crucial breast health services without facing barriers due to cost.
Testing can be especially critical for those with dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect. Chandra Thomas Whitfield talked about it in 2023 with Dr. Gretchen Ahrendt, a surgical oncologist who at the time was working at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. She also spoke with Christina Somes, a breast cancer survivor who works with the Colorado Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, which provides financial support for those undergoing breast cancer treatment.