We've Come a Long Way, Baby?

Alcohol Trends and Women’s Health

In recognition of Dry January, VBCF is looking at the history of alcohol and women. We mentioned in a November 2021 blog post that women and alcohol have a complicated relationship, so we’re going to take some time to try and review that relationship in the U.S.

Why are we writing this? The direct reason is the growing, but still very much incomplete, understanding of alcohol’s effect on breast cancer. However, the 30,000-foot view on the topic relates to our mission in a much broader way.

By examining the systems that have impacted and controlled the consumption of alcohol by women, and how women have impacted the alcohol industry, we can gain a broader understanding of the history of women’s advocacy work, and how cultural attitudes affect our health and access to information.

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Diagnostic Imaging Coverage Bill to be Introduced at 2022 General Assembly

The 2022 Virginia General Assembly Session began last week on January 13th. VBCF has been working with Delegate Delores McQuinn (D-70th) on a bill for this Session that would eliminate the high out-of-pocket costs that many patients have to pay for breast cancer diagnostic imaging including diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

These costs can often lead to patients delaying or forgoing additional procedures and therefore impact breast cancer outcomes. If passed, this bill would prohibit health insurance plans from imposing higher cost-sharing requirements (co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles) on breast cancer diagnostic examinations and imaging than they do for breast cancer screening mammograms. The bill should be introduced very soon so stay tuned!

Due to the spike in Covid-19 cases with the omicron variant, unfortunately, VBCF will not host an in-person State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day again this year. But, you can still help support the diagnostic imaging coverage bill and VBCF’s other legislative priorities. Share your story (see below) and sign-up for VBCFs Advocacy Alerts to receive more information.

We Need Your Help!

Have you had to pay high out-of-pocket costs for a follow-up mammogram or other diagnostic procedures? We want legislators to hear these experiences and the impact these added costs can have on breast cancer care. Please contact Kirsta Millar, VBCF Policy Manager at kirsta@vbcf.org or 804-285-1200 ext. 203.