The MCA Cancer Screening Network brings together representatives from Minnesota health insurance, health care clinics and patient advocate groups to improve state screening rates and reduce state screening disparities. The network is a space for formal updates from MCA screening workgroups and partners that want to share their work or seek partnerships that align with the Cancer Plan Early Detection strategies.

Quarterly meetings often focus on increasing access to, delivery of or demand for screening through clinic learning collaboratives or community health worker initiatives.

• Provide professional development opportunities
• Encourage the sharing of best and promising practices
• Explore opportunities to expand screening for the uninsured
• Engage network participants and their host institutions in Alliance activities and initiatives
• Actively involve health insurance companies, hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates in the projects aligned with Cancer Plan Minnesota objectives and strategies

World Dense Breast Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the risks associated with dense breast tissue, which affects nearly 40-50% of individuals with breast tissue.  The Minnesota Cancer Alliance and its partners are recognizing September 30, 2026 as Minnesota Dense Breast Day.

In a recent American Cancer Society (ACS) webinar, experts JoAnn Pushkin and Wendie Berg, MD, PhD, provided a clear, practical overview of why breast density matters, what to do after a dense breast notification letter and how individuals and their healthcare providers can navigate next steps.

We want to make it clear that the MN observance of Dense Breast Day is a community effort supported by multiple organizations. A list of supporting organizations who are encouraging outreach and awareness regarding this campaign will be available under the Partner’s tab below.

You can add your organization to the list of supporters by completing the MN Dense Breast Day Pledge Form.

You can find more information at For Patients | DenseBreast-info, Inc. | Patient Info for Dense Breasts and Dense Breast Tissue | Breast Density and Mammogram Reports | American Cancer Society

The colon cancer workgroup brings together representatives from Minnesota health insurance, health care clinics, and patient advocate groups to improve state screening rates and reduce state screening disparities. Priorities include the promotion of multiple screening tests and the development of culturally appropriate messaging. For years this group has also coordinated an annual March #BlueForCRC Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign: https://coloncancercoalition.org/events/blueforcrc/.