WEEKLY UPDATE: 10/16/25
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state officials recently joined representatives from Yale New Haven Health and Smilow Cancer Hospital, as well as members of the Radiological Society of Connecticut, to stress the urgency of advancing early detection technologies and improving equitable access to breast cancer screenings.
Participants in the press conference on Tuesday, October 14, included Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, and DPH Deputy Commissioner Lisa Morrissey. They joined Yale New Haven Hospital President Katherine Heilpern, MD; Eric Winer, MD, director of Yale Cancer Center and president and physician-in-chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital; and Carrie Sandin, RN, a gynecologic oncology nurse at Smilow. The leaders encouraged individuals to schedule potentially lifesaving mammograms and remind their loved ones to get screened. Dr. Winer emphasized the need to develop new therapies for patients with advanced-stage disease and detailed how current research is focused on personalizing treatment for patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — aiming to minimize long-term side effects. Carrie Sandin shared her own powerful story, recalling how a routine mammogram and ultrasound at age 40 saved her life.
State officials highlighted DPH’s Early Detection and Prevention Program, which provides free breast cancer screenings at locations throughout the state for patients who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance. The program’s services are offered at 21 hospitals, 40 federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and 15 Planned Parenthood clinics throughout Connecticut, with approximately 5,000 residents screened annually for breast cancer.
Connecticut ranks fourth in the nation for breast cancer screening rates in women 40 years and older. In 2021, the Connecticut incidence of breast cancer (157.9 per 100,000 women) was the highest in the U.S. State officials said the incidence rate is so high because preventive screenings are increasing the volume of early detections.
Individuals who need assistance obtaining a mammogram or have questions about eligibility for free screenings can access resources online at ct.gov/dph/screening or by calling 860-509-7804.
Click here to watch a video of the press conference.
