Last year in Arizona, over 3,400 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 740 women will lose their battle with the disease. When breast cancer is detected early, patients typically have more treatment options and a greater rate of survival.

We are fortunate in Arizona to have the Well Woman Healthcheck Program, our state's breast and cervical cancer early detection program, which provides free cancer screening services to underserved women in our state. But low-income and uninsured Arizona women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have another worry besides their diagnosis - whether they were screened at the "right" clinic.

Unfortunately, Arizona is one of a handful of states that has restrictions on the "Treatment Act," which allows underserved women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer to receive cancer treatment paid for by Medicaid. Arizona women who are screened outside of the Well Woman Healthcheck Program may not be eligible for these Medicaid treatment funds. While many women may eventually find treatment through other means - like charity care or community programs - it may come with delays in treatment and added emotional distress.

I believe low-income, uninsured and underinsured women should not be denied access to affordable cancer treatment because of where they were screened. I am committed to expanding the Treatment Act in our state, which will increase access to cancer care for women in Arizona. Please support this effort to expand access to affordable cancer treatment through Medicaid for all low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.