[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14752-S14753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE RESOLUTION 177--TO DESIGNATE NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY

  Mr. BIDEN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 177

       Whereas according to the American Cancer Society, one 
     hundred eighty-two thousand 

[[Page S 14753]]
     women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and forty-six 
     thousand women will die from this disease;
       Whereas in the decade of the 1990s, it is estimated that 
     about two million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, 
     resulting in nearly five hundred thousand deaths;
       Whereas the risk of breast cancer increases with age, with 
     a woman at age seventy having twice as much of a chance of 
     developing the disease than a woman at age fifty;
       Whereas 80 percent of the women who get breast cancer have 
     no family history of the disease;
       Whereas mammograms, when operated professionally at a 
     certified facility, can provide a safe and quick diagnosis;
       Whereas experts agree that mammography is the best method 
     of early detection of breast cancer, and early detection is 
     the key to saving lives; and
       Whereas mammograms can reveal the presence of small cancers 
     of up to two years or more before regular clinical breast 
     examination or breast self-examination (BSE), saving as many 
     as a third more lives: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designate October 19, 1995 as 
     ``National Mammography Day.''
       The Senate requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe such 
     day with appropriate programs and activities.

  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution 
designating October 19, 1995 as ``National Mammography Day.''
  Over the course of the past 2 years, I have introduced joint 
resolutions that designate October 19th as a special day to encourage 
women to get mammograms as part of the early detection process in the 
fight against breast cancer. Both times the joint resolution has been 
signed into law by President Clinton.
  This year, the House of Representatives is no longer considering 
commemoratives. Nevertheless, I feel that the Senate should go on 
record to continue to educate and raise the consciousness about the 
importance of early detection and the value of mammography.
  Mr. President, according to the American Cancer Society, national 
figures on breast cancer indicate that, in 1995 alone, 182,000 women 
will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Forty-six thousand women will 
succumb to this disease.
  My home State of Delaware still ranks among the worst in breast 
cancer mortality, with an estimated 570 new breast cancer cases and 
over 150 breast cancer deaths.
  Although a cure for breast cancer may be some time away, early 
detection and treatment are crucial to ensure survival. Studies have 
shown and experts agree, that mammography is one of the best methods to 
detect breast cancer in its early stages. Mammograms can reveal the 
presence of small cancers up to 2 years before regular clinical breast 
examinations or breast self-examinations [BSE], saving as many as a 
third more lives of those diagnosed with the disease.
  With 50 percent of the breast cancer cases occurring in women over 
age 65, no women can be considered immune from the disease; in fact, 80 
percent of the women who get breast cancer have no family history of 
the disease.
  Mr. President, the resolution I am submitting today sets aside 1 day 
in the midst of ``National Breast Cancer Awareness Month''--to 
encourage women to receive or sign up for a mammogram, as well as to 
bring about greater awareness and understanding of one of the key 
components in fighting this disease.
  Once again, I am pleased to sponsor this resolution, and invite all 
of my colleagues to join me in this effort.

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