Young women are diagnosed with breast cancer; and young women die from breast cancer. This qualitative dissertation seeks to prove the significance of lowering the mammography age from 40 years old to 30 years old. Current policy and programs correlate to the mandated age of 40 years old, unless the woman is at high risk; such as having a family cancer history. This dissertation also seeks to implement an addendum to insurance policies to cover for younger women to have mammography screening in the event they are younger than the recommended age. 

The purpose of this study was to examine policy frameworks of screening mammography’s and insurance coverage. This qualitative dissertation will examine what are women’s early experiences with their medical providers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; and are there components of the women’s early experiences that served as barriers to them getting treatment I recommend women who are 30 years of age having mammography screenings, women being taught how to perform self-examinations, and educate women how to decrease their risk of developing breast cancer.

Dr. Nia Imani Bailey,  DPA, M.A.Ed., RT(T), is a native of West Philadelphia with a diverse background and a strong passion for making a positive impact. With 10+ years of experience as a Radiation Therapist, she intimately understands the challenges faced by cancer patients.

Dr. Bailey earned her doctoral degree in Public Administration from West Chester University, focusing her research on improving the timely diagnosis of breast cancer in young women and advocating for policy changes to enhance healthcare access for this vulnerable group.

As a patient herself, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system with lupus and carrying a cancer gene, BCL6, Dr. Bailey brings firsthand knowledge to her advocacy work, creating a powerful synergy between her roles as a healthcare professional and a patient.

Dr. Bailey is the President of the Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation and volunteers with various organizations such Live Like Lukas, Inc and Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge.

In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Bailey is a writer and director, known for her documentaries "A Letter to My Sisters: A Breast Cancer Documentary for Young Women" and "A Letter To My Sisters: The Erica Jo Robinson Story."

Dr. Bailey's extensive list of roles also includes being an Advisor for Bexa Equity Alliance, being on Unite for HER Women of Color Task Force, and holding a board membership with the Still Rise Farm Organization and Habituelle Board of Innovators. Through her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication, she continues to make a profound impact in healthcare, advocacy, and storytelling, inspiring hope and positive change for individuals facing adversity.