Women's issue

By Alex Widmann, legislative analyst

Ovarian and uterine cancers pose high health risks to women. It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that close to 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the US in 2007 alone. The number of uterine cancer cases is estimated at nearly double this figure. These numbers are alarming and indicate a significant, undeniable threat to women's health.

The best way to combat these two forms of cancer is through early and consistent screenings. Women who are diagnosed early have longer life expectancies, and 94% of women with ovarian cancer live up to five years or longer. Similar odds are expected for women diagnosed with uterine cancer in its early stages.

Breast cancer is a familiar cause to many. As the leading form of cancer in women, it tends to generate more attention. However, it is critical that we not fail to safeguard against other cancer threats faced by women.

AB 1774, proposed by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D–Mountain View), demands additional protection for women's health by mandating that health care policy plans include free ovarian and uterine cancer screenings. This would enact a state-mandated local program, violations of which would be considered a crime under the Knox-Keene Health Care Services Plan Act of 1975.

This bill is similar to AB 1429, which was successfully adopted, mandating that insurance companies include coverage for the vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), a precursor to ovarian cancer.

This bill would allow women—without the means to cover the cost of testing on their own—to access screenings through their health insurance policies, assuring that they receive all the advantages of an early diagnosis.

It is important that insurance companies offer policy provisions that give Californians services that should be fundamental to everyone. By supporting AB 1774, you are supporting women's health and sending the signal that cancer testing should be a regular and valued part of a woman's health regimen, and that insurance companies have a duty to support this.

Please urge assemblymembers to support this crucial bill when it comes before them in the Assembly Health Committee.

Sample Letter

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The Hon.
The California State Legislature
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Assembly Member:

I urge you to support AB 1774. This legislation is critical to safeguarding women's health against the threat of ovarian and uterine cancers.

These cancers pose high health risks to women. It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that close to 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the US in 2007 alone. The number of uterine cancer cases is estimated at nearly double this figure. These numbers are alarming and indicate a significant, undeniable threat to women's health.

The best way to combat these two forms of cancer is through early and consistent screenings. Women who are diagnosed early have longer life expectancies; 94% of women with ovarian cancer live up to five years or longer. Similar odds are expected for women diagnosed with uterine cancer in its preliminary stages.

AB 1774, proposed by Assembly Pro-tempore Sally Lieber, demands additional protection for women's health by mandating that health care policy plans include free ovarian and uterine cancer screenings. This bill would allow women who lack the means to cover the cost of testing on their own to access screenings through their health insurance policies, assuring that they receive all the advantages of an early diagnosis.

Insurance companies should have policy provisions that offer Californians services that should be fundamental to everyone. By supporting AB 1774, you are supporting women's health and sending the signal that cancer testing should be a regular and valued part of a woman's health regimen, and that insurance companies have a duty to support this cause.

Please vote for AB 1774 when it comes before you in the Assembly Health Committee.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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Women's issue

Sample Letter

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