Breast cancer policy as a paradigm for other health prevention issues: analysis of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990.

The public policy response to breast cancer mortality is examined through an analysis of federal legislation. Departing from the federal government's traditional role in health policy, the legislation funds states to provide directly some health services related to breast and cervical cancer. The legislation establishing a national program for breast and cervical cancer screening is used as an analytic model for policy development for preventive services for other public health issues. Increased collaboration between the public health community and the social work profession is advocated.