[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10841-S10842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 295--TO DESIGNATE OCTOBER 18, 1996, AS NATIONAL 
                            MAMMOGRAPHY DAY

  Mr. BIDEN (for himself, Mr. Abraham, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Baucus, Mr. 
Bingaman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Bradley, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Burns, Mr. Chafee, 
Mr. Cohen, Mr. Coverdell, Mr. D'Amato, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. 
Feingold, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Ford, Mr. Frist, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Grassley, 
Mr. Gregg, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Johnston, Mrs. 
Kassebaum, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. 
Lott, Mr. Mack, Mr. McCain, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Moseley-Braun, Mr. 
Moynihan, Mr. Murkowski, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Pell, Mr. Reid, Mr. Robb, Mr. 
Rockefeller, Mr. Roth, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Simon, Mr. Smith, Ms. Snowe, 
Mr. Specter, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thurmond, and Mr. Wellstone) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                               S.Res. 295

       Whereas according to the American Cancer Society, 184,300 
     women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and 
     44,300 women will die from this disease;
       Whereas in the decade of the 1990's, it is estimated that 
     about 2,000,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, 
     resulting in nearly 500,000 deaths;
       Whereas the risk of breast cancer increases with age, with 
     a woman at age 70 having twice as much of a chance of 
     developing the disease than a woman at age 50;
       Whereas at least 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 2 years or more before regular clinical breast 
     examination or breast self-examination (BSE), savings as many 
     as 30 percent more lives: Now, therefore, be it.
       Resolved, That the Senate designates October 18, 1996, 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 submit a resolution designating October 
18, 1996 as National Mammography Day.
  Over the course of the past 3 years, I have submitted resolutions 
that designate a special day to encourage women to get mammograms as 
part of the early detection process in the fight against breast cancer. 
Historically this day has been designated as October 19, but because it 
falls on a Saturday this year, October 18 will be National Mammography 
Day.
  In 1992 and 1993 a joint resolution was adopted by the Congress and 
signed into law by the President. And, last year, even though the House 
refused to take up commemoratives, this resolution was approved by the 
Senate. I feel that the Senate should again 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 1996 alone, 184,300 women 
will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Forty-four thousand three hundred 
women will succumb to this disease.
  My home State of Delaware still ranks among the worst in breast 
cancer mortality among the 50 states, with an estimated 660 new breast 
cancer cases and over 160 breast cancer deaths for 1996.
  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

[[Page S10842]]

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, at 
least 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.

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