With the goal of eliminating disparities in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today she has introduced a bill designed to ensure that the cancer diagnostic and follow-up tests that are offered to some are offered to all. The bill will require providers to report their practices to encourage doctors to offer adequate care for all, regardless of race, income or health insurance status.

“Breast cancer is still the second leading cause of death of cancers among women,” Castor said today at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center in south St. Petersburg. “Unfortunately, African-Americans and Hispanics are especially hard hit. This is something we must tackle and must eliminate.”

African-American women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer than white women, and Hispanic women are almost 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer. Hispanic women are about 20 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic women. Similar trends exist among black women.

Castor said the disparity is linked in large part to the lack of early detection. In addition, African-American women are less likely to receive a screening to see if their cancer has spread to underarm lymph nodes. This screening is critical in preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Furthermore, sometimes there are delays in treatment after a diagnosis.

“Congress and President Obama have made healthcare reform the No. 1 priority this year,” Castor said. “We must make sure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.”

Castor also encouraged women to perform breast self exams and to have a doctor screen then for breast cancer.

“We can’t be shy about this,” Castor said. “This is a matter of life and death. Early detection is absolutely critical.”