Saud Anwar

Sen. Anwar Named 2022 Health Care Hero By Radiological Society Of Connecticut

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Hartford) was named the Radiological Society of Connecticut’s 2022 Health Care Hero for his support and efforts to expand and enhance cancer screening, education and prevention efforts. Among other successes, in 2022, Sen. Anwar played a key role in the General Assembly’s passage of legislation prioritizing higher-risk women for important cancer screenings and adding screenings to state programs. He received the award at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

“It is an honor to receive the Connecticut Radiological Society’s 2022 Health Care Hero award, especially given the context that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that we must always continue working to save lives,” said Sen. Anwar. “It is gratifying to receive this distinction, with increased gravity knowing the General Assembly this year expanded monitoring and study of breast cancer statewide. In accepting this award, I recognize the many women and men who have suffered from breast cancer; I am proud that Connecticut will ensure increased outreach and education to high-risk groups, including minority women, who have not historically had full access to screening tests, and that Connecticut will expand screening methods, as well as educational methods, for more people to gain access to potentially life-saving preventive care.”

Among this year’s public health successes at the State Capitol was the passage of legislation making changes to the Department of Public Health’s breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program. As of October 1, this program will give priority consideration to women in minority communities that experience higher rates of breast cancer and cervical cancer than the general population; add tomosynthesis, a digital x-ray mammogram, to the screening program where possible; and adds references to additional screenings and health tests to the program’s educational and outreach efforts.