Linda Hansen joined the WBCC Policy Committee in 2012, two years after she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Since her retirement in 2017, she has increased the time she spends volunteering for nonprofit organizations that provide support and advocacy for those impacted by breast cancer.
Linda has spoken with members of Congress about the need for funding for breast cancer research as well as the importance of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, which would eliminate waiting periods for Medicare eligibility and disability payments for people disabled by MBC.
Linda has also spoken with members of the Wisconsin Legislature about the importance of early breast cancer detection for the nearly 50% of adult women with dense breast tissue and about the need for full insurance coverage for the tests needed to make that diagnosis. She has also testified before the Health Committees of both the State Senate and Assembly about these topics, and about her own experience as someone whose diagnosis was delayed because the needed tests were not done.
In addition to her volunteer work for WBCC, Linda is both a trained mentor and the vice president of the Board of Directors of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, an alternate member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition Board of Directors and a member of the Advocacy Committee of Metavivor. She has been a writer and a frequent guest on television and radio programs about the need for early detection of breast cancer for people with dense breast tissue.
Linda is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of one granddaughter. She is a retired patent lawyer who worked handling lawsuits that concerned allegations of patent infringement.
Linda’s profile is part of an ongoing series. Visit the Meet Our Team page to read more about featured WBCC members.
(January 2025)