A bill introduced by Congresswoman Kathy Castor to eliminate disparities in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be the subject of a significant hearing Wednesday in the Subcommittee on Health. The Eliminating Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Act of 2009 will create incentives and requirements for adequate care for all women, regardless of race, income or health insurance status.

“This hearing, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will highlight the very troubling and costly issue of disparate diagnosis and treatment,” Castor said. “African-American and Hispanic women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. This is a problem we must solve.

“Fortunately, we will have the opportunity to highlight the disparities and hear from experts during Wednesday’s hearing,” Castor continued. “My breast cancer bill is one of only four bills on breast cancer prevention, research, treatment and quality of care that will be considered, so it is noteworthy it is included at this hearing. I especially look forward to hearing from my colleague Rep. Wasserman Schultz, a breast cancer survivor.”

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death from cancer among American women, and African-American and Hispanic women are disproportionately affected. African-American women are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer as white women. Hispanic women are 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society has found that Hispanic women are about 20 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic women.

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.

Castor’s bill is designed to standardize health care practices for breast cancer patients and to eliminate inequities in treatment. The bill requires providers – doctors, hospitals – to report their practices and ensures that doctors aren’t compensated for inadequate care.

“All women with breast cancer – regardless of race, educational background or any other factor – should have access to the best medical diagnostic and follow-up care,” Castor said. “We cannot tolerate these disparities any longer.”

The Health Subcommittee is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The hearing will be webcast at www.energycommerce.house.gov. The Subcommittee on Health is part of the Energy & Commerce Committee.