Story Behind the Curve: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Connecticut women, accounting for 3 in 10 cancers diagnosed. The age-standardized incidence rate of breast cancer in Connecticut women has seen a slight increase since the mid-2000s, with an average rate of 138 cases per 100,000 women over the most recent 5-year period. The incidence rate is impacted by the distribution of risk factors – factors which increase the chance of developing the disease – in the population, as well as their access to cancer detection services such as mammography.

Date of next data update: Aug 15th, 2024

Potential Partners

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
• Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
• Connecticut State Department of Education
• Office of the Healthcare Advocate
• Hospitals
• Local public health agencies
• Federally-qualified health centers
• Health care providers
• Radiology facilities
• Health professional associations
• Health insurers
• American Cancer Society
• Connecticut Cancer Partnership
• Community-based organizations
• Faith-based organizations

Early detection of breast cancer through mammography screening has been determined to reduce mortality. A woman should consult with her physician to determine what screening interval is appropriate for her situation.

To ensure that all women who are age-appropriate receive the needed screening services, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends:

• evidence-based client reminder systems
• small media targeted at specific populations in selected geographic locations
• group education
• one-on-one education
• reducing structural barriers that prevent women from getting mammograms
• reducing client out-of-pocket costs
• evidence-based health care provider reminder systems
• evidence-based health care provider assessment and feedback systems

Potential Strategies

• Conduct public education and outreach initiatives to educate all women about the advantages of screening, as well as risks and how to access screening services
• Collaborate with large health systems to implement evidence-based client reminder systems, and provider assessment and feedback systems to improve referrals for mammograms
• Utilize community health workers to conduct one-on-one and group education about the importance of breast cancer screening at regular intervals, and to assist with reducing structural barriers
• Collaborate with partners to increase availability of no-cost or low-cost mammograms