OHC Breast Cancer Experts Applaud New Ohio Breast Cancer Screening Law

From OHC

October 14, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joanie Manzo
Director, Marketing & Physician Services
513-751-2145 x20143
joan.manzo@usoncology.com

Abigail M. Tremelling, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at OHC

According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), regular screening mammograms can reduce breast cancer mortality by 40 percent. Unfortunately, mammograms are inaccessible to many women because of several issues including limited income and insurance gaps. Ohio House Bill 371, signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine earlier this year, makes it possible for Ohio women to have access to a life-saving mammogram every year.

Based on the ACR and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk, women should have annual mammograms beginning at age 40. The bi-partisan Ohio House Bill 371 went into effect on September 23rd and accomplishes the following:

• Improves insurance coverage for breast cancer screening to include coverage of yearly mammograms.
• Extends screening mammography coverage to include tomosynthesis, an advanced form of mammography also called three-dimensional (3-D) mammography.
• Provides additional coverage for supplemental screening in women with dense breasts and women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer.
• Improves the dense breast notification letter to inform women about the associated risk and opportunity for supplemental screening.

“This is a big step in continuing to improve outcomes in breast cancer patients,” said OHC breast surgical oncologist Abigail M. Tremelling, MD, FACS. “The majority of the breast cancer patients we treat were asymptomatic and would not have discovered their cancer without a mammogram. About half of women over age 40 have dense breast tissue,” added Dr. Tremelling. “Now, these women will have improved access to the recommended supplemental screening exams that can lead to earlier detection and improved survival.”

D. Randolph “Randy” Drosick, MD, medical oncologist, hematologist, and President of OHC

“By broadening accessibility to services designed for early breast cancer detection, this Bill saves lives,” said medical oncologist, hematologist, and President of OHC, D. Randolph “Randy” Drosick, MD. “The most recent data available to us indicates that among women ages 50-74, only 39 percent of those without health insurance had a mammogram in the past two years. Early detection is critical to survival. When detected early, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is an astounding 99 percent.”

High-risk women should make an appointment with OHC’s breast surgical oncologists in the group’s high-risk clinic to discuss a personalized screening plan, risk prevention strategies, and genetic counseling.

In addition to discovering breast cancer early, receiving state-of-the-art breast cancer treatment is critical to positive outcomes. OHC’s breast surgical oncologists are board certified and have completed additional fellowship training in breast cancer care. Because breast cancer treatment is complex, they collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts from specialized fields within oncology to develop personalized treatment plans based on every patient’s individual diagnosis. To request an appointment with one of OHC’s breast surgical oncologists, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.

OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than 37 years. We are the region’s leading experts in the treatment of nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder. OHC cancer experts include medical oncologists, hematologists, blood and marrow transplant specialists, cellular therapy specialists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and breast surgical oncologists. OHC continues to bring leading-edge treatment options through its nationally recognized cancer research and clinical trials program. OHC is the first, most experienced, and only certified independent adult cancer practice in the region to offer the revolutionary immunotherapy treatment, CAR-T, for adults, ushering in a new frontier in the fight against cancer. OHC is certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program and was one of only a select few cancer practices nationally to be accepted to participate in the Oncology Care Model, part of The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple — to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer. For more information about OHC, or a second opinion, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.