Breast health tests OK’d for 35 & up: law

ALBANY — Insurance companies must cover annual mammograms for women over 35 thanks to a new law signed Friday by Gov. Cuomo.

The legislation, known as Shannon’s Law, is named for Shannon Saturno, a Long Island teacher who died of breast cancer at 31. Under current law, most insurance companies are only required to cover annual mammogram screenings for women over age 40.

“We know that with cancer diagnoses, early detection is the best possible treatment,” Cuomo said. “By signing this legislation, we are taking another step to break down barriers to breast-cancer screening and improve access to health care for all women in New York.”

More than 12,000 cases of breast cancer are detected annually in women under 40 and are oftentimes in later stages and more aggressive forms of cancer.

According to the Young Survival Coalition, more than 1,000 women under age 40 die from breast cancer each. Nearly 80% of young women diagnosed with the disease find breast abnormality themselves.

Linda Bonanno, a breastcancer survivor and cofounder of the “Got Checked?” campaign, said Saturno inspired the push for education and early detection.

“We championed this bill in honor of Shannon,” Bonanno told the Daily News. “This law represents a new era in breast health, letting the world know that breast cancer is not just about older woman.”

The bill passed the Assembly in 2017 and 2018 with the help of sponsor Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Lindhurst) but died in the GOP-controlled Senate. This year, with Democrats in charge of both houses, it passed the Senate unanimously.

“I strongly believe in the importance of early detection, and it is imperative that individuals under 40 have access to annual mammograms when deemed medically necessary,” said Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Suffolk ).