[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           EVERY WOMAN COUNTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that 
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to recognize 
California's Breast Cancer Early Detection Program Partnerships for 
making available to all California women timely clinical screening, 
mammography, and treatment for newly detected breast cancers.
  This remarkable accomplishment has been made possible by the 
cooperation of health care providers through the federally funded 
Breast Cervical Cancer Control Program [BCCCP]. Through the BCCCP, 
volunteers join with public and private providers in making available 
clinical examinations, mammography, education and outreach efforts, 
epidemiology, and the provision and funding of treatment for women in 
need of these services.
  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and far too 
often the lack of preventative care and examinations serve as a death 
sentence to low-income women and women of color. Sadly, many women lack 
the necessary resources to obtain screening services.
  In the 3 years, since its inception through March 1997, the San 
Diego/Imperial County Breast Cancer Early Detection Program Partnership 
has funded screening services for greater than 5,000 women and has 
diagnosed many cases of breast cancer among women who may not have 
received breast cancer screening services without the partnership. 
Through March 1997, the partnership has funded outreach and educational 
efforts to an additional 14,500 women. Ongoing education and outreach 
projects are expected to reach thousands more in 1997 and 1998.
  Generous grants from the California endowment and donated services 
from local hospitals and providers regularly ensure that all women 
diagnosed with breast cancer who do not qualify for other private or 
public funds receive state-of-the-art treatment. Many cancer survivors 
join with other volunteers to provide a helping hand to newly diagnosed 
women.
  I want to also salute Ms. Rebecca Charles, a resident in my 50th 
Congressional District, who serves as the co-chair of the Volunteer and 
Recruitment Committee of the Board of Governors of the Scripps Green 
Clinic for the Early Detection Breast Cancer Awareness Program.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in support of these 
exemplary efforts to reach each and every woman with needed services 
before it is too late. Every Woman Counts!

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