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News — TRENTON, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 1, 2025 – ^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization commends Senators Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) and Britnee N. Timberlake (D-East Orange) and Assemblymembers Lisa Swain (D-Fair Lawn) and Margie Donlon, M.D., (D-Ocean Township) for working with Komen to ensure that everyone has equitable access to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, by eliminating the financial barriers patients face in accessing needed breast cancer screening.  

In New Jersey, more than 9,290 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,160 are expected to die of the disease in 2025 alone. The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with these critical breast imaging procedures, ranging from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, often force individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.

“Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of New Jerseyans are forced to make that decision every year,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “This bill will remove the financial barrier to diagnostic and supplemental imaging so that individuals can get the care they need without having to endure undue financial burden. This is a pivotal step toward equitable access to care, potentially saving lives by enabling earlier detection of the disease and treatment.”

and , introduced by Senators Greenstein and Timberlake and Assemblymembers Swain and Donlon, eliminates the patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds. Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at a higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to determine if the patient needs a biopsy. The high out-of-pocket costs for this imaging deters many individuals in New Jersey from receiving their recommended care, and as a result, breast cancer can be diagnosed at a later stage, when it is much deadlier and much more costly to treat.

“Early detection is the best way for women to fight against breast cancer, but they all too often skip their regular screenings due to the out-of-pocket costs,” said Sen. Greenstein. “No woman should have to choose between their health and keeping a roof over their heads or food on the table for their families. This legislation will ensure that an individual’s financial situation does not prevent them from receiving timely, potentially life-saving care.”

“Breast cancer does not discriminate, and neither should access to lifesaving care. No one should be forced to gamble with their health due to financial constraints,” said Asm. Swain. “By introducing this bill, we’re making critical strides toward ensuring that early breast cancer diagnosis and timely treatment are within reach for all New Jerseyans, and that every person has the best possible chance to detect, fight, and overcome this widespread disease.”

"As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how early detection can change the course of a patient’s life. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and with 1 in 8 women facing a lifetime risk, access to regular screenings is not optional - it’s essential,” said Asm. Donlon, M.D., “This bill removes cost barriers to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, ensuring patients can get the care they need without delay. When breast cancer is caught early, patients are more likely to avoid aggressive treatment and more likely to be cured. I am proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that cost is not a barrier to this critical care."

A found out-of-pockets costs for patients to range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. Additionally, a recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. This diagnostic or supplemental imaging is often crucial for individuals previously diagnosed with breast cancer or those considered high-risk. The high out-of-pocket cost creates inequities in essential care and imposes additional financial barriers for these patients.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at .