Cancer Prevention & Screening Policy Team (CPSP)
The focus of the Cancer Prevention & Screening Policy Team is to research barriers to timely breast cancer diagnosis in Rhode Island, with particular attention to cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up imaging, and to advocate for policy reforms that promote equitable access to early cancer detection.
Overall Purpose
Although screening mammography is covered as a preventive service under federal law, Rhode Island remains the only New England state that requires patients to pay out-of-pocket for medically necessary follow-up breast imaging. These costs can deter patients from completing the diagnostic process, undermining the promise of early cancer detection and disproportionately impacting low-income and underinsured individuals. The purpose of the Cancer Prevention & Screening Policy Team is to support legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for follow-up breast imaging in Rhode Island. By conducting Rhode Island–specific quantitative and qualitative research and partnering with advocacy organizations, clinicians, and policymakers, the team seeks to strengthen the evidence base behind this reform and advance equitable cancer prevention policy.
Short-Term Goals
The Cancer Prevention & Screening Policy Team plans to (1) establish partnerships with cancer advocacy organizations, clinicians, and public health experts in Rhode Island; (2) conduct Rhode Island–specific research on the financial and health impacts of cost-sharing for follow-up breast imaging; (3) produce a policy-focused white paper and qualitative report incorporating patient, caregiver, and provider perspectives; and (4) support ongoing legislative advocacy efforts aimed at passing legislation to prohibit cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up breast imaging.