[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 46 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             BREAST CANCER

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise before you today to plea for 
the support of the world's wives, daughters, mother, and loved ones who 
prevail under a merciless dark shadow we've come to know as breast 
cancer. Over the past two decades, the risk of acquiring breast cancer 
has nearly tripled; from 1 in 20, to 1 in 8. Breast cancer alone is 
predicted to murder over 184,300 American women this year. To date, 
researchers have not been able to locate its cause or find a technique 
to eradicate it.
  Paramount in our struggle to save our loved ones is the frequent 
inspection to detect possible irregularities. Caught early, measures 
can be undertaken to lower the risk of a further contamination of the 
body. However, the postponing of medical attention could result in the 
cancer expanding into the bloodstream, carrying tumor cells to the 
liver, lungs, and bones. Once diagnosed, the style of treatment is 
decided between the patient and the physician after considering the 
stage and type of cancer in question. Most often, a modified 
mastectomy--the removal of only the breast tissue--or a lumpectomy--the 
local removal of the tumor--followed by radiotherapy is the standard 
method. Unfortunately, the pain and suffering do not end after surgery. 
Once involved in therapy, the real struggle to return to a life lost 
begins.
  What is commonly overlooked in the rehabilitation of a breast cancer 
victim is the unrestrictive support by loved ones as a means of 
therapy, and in most cases, this is vital to their recovery. Families 
facing cancer are severally challenged as their lives become 
increasingly complex. Psychosocial research has shown that the stress 
of adopting new roles, relating to and communicating with others, self-
care responsibilities, and the over all nature of the cancer experience 
can cause unrest in the family unit. This in turn, greatly influences 
and in most cases, hinders the complete healing process. On the other 
hand, families that have stood by and supported relatives by educating 
themselves and responding properly tot he needs of the victim were able 
to significantly add to the recovery process. Therefore, I believe that 
as we work toward advancements in treatment, cure, and diagnosis of 
breast cancer, our programs must also stress involvement by family 
members in the care and support of loved ones.

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