2026 House Resolution 365

Whereas, The third Friday in October is recognized nationally as National Mammography Day during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a reminder of the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection; and

Whereas, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to increase awareness of breast cancer, encourage regular screening and early detection, support individuals and families affected by the disease, and promote continued research; and

Whereas, Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Michigan and the second leading cause of cancer death among Michigan women; and

Whereas, An estimated 9,410 Michigan residents were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and approximately 1,350 Michigan residents were expected to die from the disease; and

Whereas, The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that individuals at average risk begin annual screening mammography at age 40, with annual screening mammography with tomosynthesis, commonly known as 3D mammography, recommended for average-risk individuals age 40 and older; and

Whereas, Mammograms can detect breast cancers up to three years before they can be felt, allowing cancers to be identified at an earlier stage when treatment may be more successful; and

Whereas, Advances in breast imaging, including digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, have been shown to increase the detection of invasive breast cancers compared with traditional 2D mammography; and

Whereas, The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at a localized stage is approximately 99 percent, compared with substantially lower survival rates when the disease has spread beyond the breast, underscoring the importance of early detection; and

Whereas, Screening mammography has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, making regular screening an important component of breast cancer prevention and early detection; and

Whereas, In 2024, approximately 74.9 percent of Michigan women age 40 and older reported having received a mammogram within the previous two years, demonstrating that a significant number of eligible Michigan women remain overdue for recommended screening; and

Whereas, Michigan offers programs designed to reduce barriers to breast cancer screening, including the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, which provides eligible low-income and uninsured or underinsured Michigan women with breast cancer screening and follow-up services; and

Whereas, The Michigan Cancer Screening Project provides free coordination and navigation services for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screening to eligible Michigan residents living with HIV and provides resources for cancer screening throughout all 83 Michigan counties; and

Whereas, Early detection can provide individuals diagnosed with breast cancer with additional treatment options and significantly improve outcomes, making access to timely and appropriate screening an important public health priority; and

Whereas, Breast cancer affects individuals and families throughout Michigan, and residents are encouraged to discuss their individual breast cancer risk and appropriate screening schedule with their health care providers; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 16, 2026, as Mammography Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage Michigan residents to learn about their individual breast cancer risk, discuss appropriate screening with their health care providers, and take advantage of available screening resources.