Our current goal is for 1,000+ people to attend a WHA North Carolina event— join us at an upcoming event to support our More than a Mammogram campaign!
The right imaging.
The right time.
Access for every person.
Mammograms save lives. But they do not catch every breast cancer. Women’s Health Advocates of North Carolina is bringing people together across the state to learn about necessary breast imaging and support efforts to expand access to the medically necessary breast imaging people need.
Why more than a mammogram?
A mammogram is an essential breast cancer screening tool. But it is not always enough. For some people, additional imaging such as breast MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic mammography, or other breast imaging may be medically necessary. People should be able to access the medically necessary breast imaging their health care provider recommends.
Why this matters?
Up to 50% of breast cancers may be missed on mammography in extremely dense breasts.
71% of breast cancers occur
in women with dense breasts.
Dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to find on a mammogram and is associated with increased breast cancer risk.
About 40–50% of women have dense breasts.
39 states have enacted laws that expand insurance coverage for supplemental breast imaging; the exact scope varies by state.
The financial burden of breast cancer is real. Out-of-pocket costs can strain household finances and later-stage disease can affect the ability to remain in the workforce.
Sources: North Carolina General Statutes §130A-215.5; North Carolina Session Law 2025-27; FDA/NCI breast density resources. DenseBreast-info state insurance table (updated March 19, 2026) and/or peer-reviewed literature; note that laws vary by state. North Carolina State Health Plan Board of Trustees presentation, Aug. 15, 2025: all breast cancer screenings including mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs covered at 100% as of Aug. 1, 2025.
Recent successes across the state
Successfully advocated for expanded State Employee Healthcare plan coverage for supplemental breast cancer screening
Introduced legislation with Susan G. Komen into N.C. state House, which passed almost unanimously. (111:1)
Built a grassroots regional campaign to overcome resistance in the N.C. state Senate and defeat BIG insurance company interests.
Successfully building a bi-partisan advocacy network across the state with chapters in every region of North Carolina.
Changed the standard of care for breast cancer screening by influencing ACR* and HSRA* guidelines.
Created a PBS Documentary on the need for supplemental screening that aired nationwide.