Mayor Muriel Bowser is urging residents of Washington, DC to schedule breast cancer screenings as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The mayor emphasized the importance of early detection and timely care in improving outcomes for women affected by breast cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the District.
Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of DC Health, highlighted the role of Project WISH in addressing barriers to care. “Every day saved between screening and treatment is another chance to save a life,” said Dr. Bennett. “Project WISH is removing barriers and ensuring every woman in DC has access to timely, high-quality care.”
The proposed FY26 Grow DC Budget includes $290,000 dedicated to expanding breast and cervical cancer screening activities across all eight wards. This funding will support Project WISH, which offers free screenings and patient navigation services for uninsured and underinsured residents. The additional resources aim to expand access to screenings, strengthen patient navigation, and reduce obstacles that may delay care.
Over the past year, Project WISH provided more than 1,300 women with free screenings and ensured they received prompt follow-up after abnormal results. Patient navigators assist residents with scheduling appointments, understanding their next steps, and connecting them with treatment resources. These efforts have resulted in improved coordination; the median time from an abnormal mammogram to follow-up care dropped from 76 days in 2023 to 52 days in 2024.
Project WISH collaborates with several organizations throughout the city—including Breast Care for Washington, Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention, Howard University, Family Medical Counseling Services, Nueva Vida, Whitman Walker, La Clinica del Pueblo, Unity Health Care, Community of Hope, Ellaine Ellis, Planned Parenthood, and Bread for the City—to ensure equitable access to breast health services.
DC Health representatives will also provide information about available programs at upcoming community events such as Power of Pink ’25 at Community of Hope (October 4), New Bethel Baptist Church Fall Fitness Health Fair (October 4), Whitman-Walker THRIVE FEST (October 4), and Washington Spirit CVS Health Day at Audi Field (October 18). More details on these events can be found on their respective websites: breastcaredc.org/posts/power-of-pink-25 , newbetheldc.org/events/51/fall-into-fitness-health-fair , whitman-walker.org/event/whitman-walker-thrive-fest , washingtonspirit.com/tickets/themes .
For further information about Project WISH or its services visit dchealth.dc.gov/service/project-wish or contact [email protected].
Alerts Sign-up