Clinch Valley Health’s Genetic Testing-Hereditary Cancer Coordinator Leanne Keen recently met with Virginia lawmakers in Richmond to reiterate the importance of annual cancer screenings and early cancer detection.

Clinch Valley Health’s Genetic Testing-Hereditary Cancer Coordinator, Leanne Keen, recently spoke to WTVR’s Cameron Thompson about her support of Virginia bills that limit out of pocket costs for secondary breast cancer screenings like ultrasounds,  MRIs and diagnostic mammograms. She recently spent time Richmond with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and met with Delegates Kilgore, Morefield, O’Quinn and Senator Hackworth to reiterate the importance of annual cancer screenings and early cancer detection.

Del. Shelly Simonds proposed HB1828 which aims to remove out-of-pocket costs for breast imaging exams like MRIs, ultrasounds and diagnostic mammograms. Simonds’ bill was inspired by her own mother’s battle and recovery from breast cancer.

Keen said, “I have personally felt the impact of the financial burden of having a high risk of breast cancer, and I have seen patients who have put off care far longer than they would have.”

Simonds said, “We are fighting surprise charges of up to $1,000 for a screening that are unacceptable barriers to care.”

To watch the full WTVR interview, please click here: https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-cancer-care-costs-feb-13-2025

To learn more about Clinch Valley Health’s genetic testing-hereditary cancer program, please contact Leanne Keen at 276.596.6115 or visit https://www.clinchvalleyhealth.com/cancer-care/hereditary-cancer-coordinator-program-1