National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program 30th Anniversary: Karen Hacker, MD, MPH

Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, congratulates the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program on 30 years. 

Audio Descriptive Text

• Celebrating 30 years. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Working Toward Health Equity.
• Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Script

[Karen Hacker] Thank you for inviting me to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. I'm Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. First, I want to congratulate you on an amazing 30 years of hard work on the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

As many of you know, on August 10th, 1990, Congress enacted the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990. And with the passage of this
legislation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program was founded by CDC. Since then, the program's growth over the last 30 years has been truly remarkable. I'm proud to say that CDC now funds all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six US territories and 13 American Indian, Alaska Native Tribes, or tribal organizations. Almost 6 million women have been served to date. What an accomplishment. Thanks to all of you who work on the ground across the nation, our partners and CDC staff for your dedication, time, and commitment to saving lives.

As we all know, the past year and a half has been incredibly difficult due to COVID-19. And based on a recent survey, an estimated 41% of U.S. adults avoided medical care during this time because of their concerns about COVID-19. And yet in the face of such challenges, you have continued to help millions of women across the country. You have provided guidance to help healthcare partners keep serving patients safely, and your commitment and perseverance have been a bright light during a difficult time.

From the beginning, this program has led the nation in addressing social determinants of health by helping women who might not have otherwise been screened get life-saving cancer screenings. This group includes older women, women with low incomes, and women who are under or uninsured. These populations are often women of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Your continued efforts in serving these populations are not easy, but are incredibly important. And our nation's health is better protected thanks to you. This program serves as an example of how to work towards achieving health equity, not only for cancer early detection, but for other chronic diseases and all areas of public health. So congratulations again, on an amazing 30 years saving women's lives.

I am committed to working alongside you as you continue making a difference working with communities to address social determinants of health, promote health and wellness for all, and work towards health equity.

Thank you.