By Breastcancer.org
Since the new administration took office on Jan. 20, 2025, there have been a number of executive orders calling for funding freezes, policy changes, and cuts to federal programs.
Many of the orders affect the healthcare system directly and could limit access to care and slow research progress, but they’re also being challenged in court. It’s not clear which will have staying power.
What will this mean for people living with cancer or people yet to be diagnosed? Breastcancer.org talked to 10 experts in research, healthcare, law, and advocacy about what they’re watching. Read what the experts had to say here.
One particular area of concern is the potential cuts to Medicaid. On February 26, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that could lead to $880 billion in cuts to federal spending on Medicaid over 10 years. For many people with a breast cancer diagnosis — or those hoping to avoid one — losing Medicaid coverage could mean losing access to regular mammograms and other screening tests, breast cancer treatment and follow-up care, and even primary care to stay healthy and lower breast cancer and recurrence risk.
To voice your concerns about potential cuts to federally funded cancer research and Medicaid, or speak out about the dismantling of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our healthcare system, there are resources to help you contact your elected officials including Common Cause’s Find Your Representatives tool and 5calls.org offers scripts of what to say and phone numbers for members of Congress.
To do our part, Breastcancer.org will continue to keep the breast cancer community informed and aware of what’s at stake by reporting on federal actions that impact access to quality healthcare, the affordability of care, and potentially life-saving research discoveries. Follow this link for more updates.
