Malliotakis Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Treatment at Staten Island University Hospital

Image October 8, 2026 Press Release (STATEN ISLAND, NY) — In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) visited Staten Island University Hospital’s Florina Rusi Marke Comprehensive Breast Center to highlight the importance of early detection and lifesaving screenings, as well as initiatives in Congress to support cancer research and expand access to quality care. Malliotakis joined physicians and medical professionals from Staten Island University Hospital to discuss breast cancer prevention and treatment, advances in patient care and the resources available to women in the community. The Congresswoman also highlighted several efforts she is supporting in Congress to improve access to breast cancer screenings, treatment and care. Congresswoman Malliotakis' Legislative Efforts to Expand Breast Cancer Screening & Care: EARLY Act Reauthorization (H.R. 4541): In July, the Congresswoman voted for House passage of legislation that supports breast-health education and awareness for younger and higher-risk women and includes provisions of the SCREENS for Cancer Act to strengthen the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides screening and diagnostic services for underserved women. Staten Island University Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center and NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center— all benefit from this program. Women's Health Initiative: Additionally, the Congresswoman has supported and protected federal funding for one of the nation's largest and longest-running studies of women's health, whose research includes breast cancer and other major conditions affecting women. Find It Early Act (H.R. 6182): Congresswoman Malliotakis cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging without patient cost-sharing, including mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs for women with dense breasts or an increased risk of breast cancer. Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2048): The Congresswoman cosponsored legislation to eliminate the waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare coverage for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The Congresswoman is also advocating that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz review Medicare coverage for supplemental breast ultrasounds for women with dense breast tissue after the Biden Administration issued a 2024 rule that stopped Medicare coverage of ultrasounds for breast cancer prevention.  “Early detection and access to quality care can save lives, which is why it’s so important that women have access to the screenings, treatment and resources they need,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the tremendous work being done right here on Staten Island to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer, while continuing our efforts in Congress to expand access to screenings, support critical research and ensure patients can get the care they need.” “Congressmember Malliotakis’ support of the Find It Early Act brings important attention to an issue that directly affects women and families across Staten Island and beyond,” said Meagan Sills, Senior Vice President and Hospital President of Staten Island University Hospital. “Nearly 18,000 women in New York are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and for many women, a routine mammogram may only be the first step. Breast density, family history, and other individual risk factors can require additional imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI. When that testing is medically appropriate, cost should not stand between a patient and the care her physician recommends. We appreciate Congressmember Malliotakis’ advocacy to help reduce those barriers and support greater access to early detection.” View remarks HERE .