Missouri Legislation Boosts Breast Cancer Screening Rates

Recent legislative changes in Missouri aimed at expanding breast cancer screening coverage have resulted in a significant increase in screening rates among Medicaid patients, as well as a higher adoption of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). A comprehensive study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology examined the impact of these law changes, which include provisions for annual mammograms starting at age 40.

The research analyzed data from 1,008,881 women, with 41.4% residing in Missouri, spanning from 2015 to 2022. Findings revealed that women with Medicaid and commercial insurance were more likely to undergo mammography after the law was enacted, with odds ratios of 1.45 and 1.05 respectively, compared to women with Medicare Advantage, which is governed by federal regulations.

Additionally, the use of digital breast tomosynthesis, an advanced imaging technique offering better detection capabilities, increased notably among women with Medicaid within Missouri and border states, with odds ratios of 2.31 and 1.24 respectively. These improvements highlight the influence of policy on healthcare access and preventive practices.

Amy K. Patel, M.D., from The Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital, emphasized that policy modifications can play a crucial role in reducing disparities and improving outcomes in breast cancer care, especially in Missouri, which faces some of the worst racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer mortality. This legislation marks a positive step toward ensuring more women are screened early for breast cancer, potentially saving lives through earlier detection and treatment.

This study underscores the importance of legal and policy frameworks in shaping health behaviors and access to lifesaving screening services.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-missouri-law-linked-breast-cancer.html