U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1) are now leading sponsors in the House of Representatives for the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act that would allow mobile mammography units to purchase fuel without the federal excise tax. 

The Mobile Mammography Promotion Act is modeled after existing exemptions for blood centers and other entities. Mobile mammography units -- mammovans -- travel thousands of miles each year to provide mammograms and other services that help detect and treat the medical challenges facing many women. Many of these services are provided at locations throughout the 3rd District of Missouri.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States, resulting in approximately 40,000 deaths in this country annually. Typically, the cancer produces no symptoms during its initial stages when it is most easily and least invasively treatable. Therefore, one of the key aspects to fighting and surviving breast cancer is early detection.

“The majority of us all have a mom, sister, daughter, aunt, or another loved one that has been diagnosed, suffered, and fought breast cancer.  Unfortunately, too many of us have lost that loved one due to the disease,” Luetkemeyer said. “I am hopeful that other lawmakers will step up and support this bi-partisan legislation to make regular mammography screenings a reality for those that it isn’t already because early detection and treatment is critical in battling breast cancer.”

The percentage of women receiving a mammogram within the past two years increased from 29 percent in 1987 to 70 percent in 2000.  Screening rates declined by 3 percent afterwards and have remained stagnant for the past decade. With this bill, rates might once again increase and fill the final 33 percent gap in screening. 

“Early detection is one of the best ways to fight breast cancer,” Kirkpatrick said. “But in Arizona’s District One, thousands of women in rural towns and tribal nations struggle for access to health care. This legislation provides a cost-efficient incentive for mobile mammography units to serve these remote populations and save lives.”