[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               DUTY-FREE TREATMENT FOR TAMOXIFEN CITRATE

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                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 1995
  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring legislation I 
introduced to your attention. The legislation would provide for duty 
free treatment for tamoxifen citrate for the year of 1994. Tamoxifen is 
one of the most effective drugs to treat women with breast cancer and 
to prevent its reoccurrence.
  Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Each 
year thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and too often 
the results are fatal. While the incidence of many deadly cancers has 
decreased dramatically over the years, the incidence for breast cancer 
has increased. In 1960, 1 in 20 women were diagnosed with breast 
cancer, and currently it is 1 in 8. Despite an increase in early 
detection and advances in medical care, the death rate for women with 
breast cancer has remained the same. We need to learn much more about 
the causes and cures for breast cancer.
  Tamoxifen citrate is the first successful anticancer drug to treat 
and prevent breast cancer. The drug has been marketed in the United 
States since 1978, and is proven to significantly delay the 
reoccurrence of breast cancer in women in its early stages. Legislative 
efforts are essential to ensure that thousands of breast cancer 
patients can continue to receive this product.
  The company that produces this drug has a long history of helping 
breast cancer patients. They provide this product free of charge to 
women who cannot afford the treatment. Since, 1978, the company has 
given more than $35 million worth of tamoxifen citrate to over 32,000 
poor women.
  That company also provides education programs for the early detection 
of cancer. Early detection is to best chance of increasing an 
individual's chances of survival. The survival rate for cancer that is 
detected in the earliest stages is 90 percent. Programs that promote 
early detection are invaluable to making progress in curing cancer.
  This same company is also committed to research in the area of breast 
cancer. It provides considerable funding for clinical and basic 
research through its patients assistance program. Additionally, the 
company has provided millions of tablets, free of charge, for a 
clinical study conducted by the National Cancer Institute.
  Furthermore, there is no other comparable drug marketed in the United 
States. The company that produces this drug does not compete in 
manufacturing this product with any other U.S. company. Thus, this bill 
does not create an unfair playing field.
  I strongly support extending duty-free status in 1994 for citrate. 
Thousands of women will benefit from this legislation.


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