[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______


                       HON. BARBARA F. VUCANOVICH

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness 
Month. It is time to remember the 46,000 women who died last year, and 
the 182,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I 
know the hard cold facts because I am a breast cancer survivor.
  Women must play a vital role in the war against breast cancer by 
performing a monthly breast-self-examination, visiting a physician and 
obtaining an annual mammogram. Since there is no cure for breast 
cancer, early detection is the key to survival.
  However, early diagnosis of breast cancer is of no use if the patient 
cannot get proper treatment once a tumor is discovered. The treatment 
for 50 percent of all breast cancers is limited to one drug, yet 
current law does not permit Medicare coverage.
  Today I am introducing legislation which provides coverage of this 
drug under Medicare. Without this coverage, breast cancers are left 
untreated, and women are left to suffer.
  Remember the women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Become a 
cosponsor of this life-saving legislation.

                          ____________________