[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE NATIONAL RACE FOR THE CURE

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, this Saturday, thousands of men, 
women, and children will together log thousands of miles around our 
Nation's Capitol with a single unifying goal--to benefit breast cancer 
research, detection, and education.
  With strength and determination in their hearts, the Race for the 
Cure participants will walk, jog, wheel, and run, not for themselves, 
but for the countless number of women who have either succumbed to, or 
survived the battle against breast cancer. My heartfelt appreciation 
extends to each of these racers.
  My own commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer remains 
steadfast. As co-chair of the Senate Cancer Coalition with my 
distinguished colleague, Senator Mack, I have had the opportunity to 
gain a better understanding of all aspects of this serious disease--
from the latest research findings to advanced screening methods to the 
safety of clinical drug trials. The testimony of those who have 
experienced or witnessed the trauma of breast cancer--survivors, 
researchers, physicians, educators, and advocates--overwhelmingly 
affirms the need for us to make breast cancer a priority.
  There is much to be done to fight this disease that has affected so 
many of us in various ways. Thus far, mammograms are our most effective 
weapon in early detection. In addressing the enormous task of national 
health care reform, we must take steps to ensure that every woman, 
regardless of her income or age, has access to affordable, regular 
mammograms. Researchers are closing in on the gene that causes most of 
the inherited forms of breast cancer. With this knowledge, women will 
be able to learn their true odds of developing breast cancer by taking 
a simple blood test.
  But what good is knowing these odds when women are powerless to 
prevent the cancer from forming? According to the National Breast 
Cancer Coalition, 1.8 million women have been diagnosed with breast 
cancer, and 1 million more do not know yet that they have it. Forty-six 
thousand women will die from the disease this year. The fact is we do 
not know what causes breast cancer or how to cure it. And although 
treatments are improving, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer will 
ultimately face choices that are physically and emotionally taxing.
  So the race is on for a cure. We all know the staggering statistics 
and we all need to do something about it. I call upon my colleagues in 
the Senate to do our part toward reaching the goal of breast cancer 
eradication. Give breast cancer initiatives adequate funding and 
support legislation which expands women's access to prevention and 
detection services.
  The winners of this race will be the women of America and their 
daughters. For when a cure is found, the race is won.

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