[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

  (Mr. SNOWBARGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. SNOWBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I have come to the floor to focus our 
Nation's attention on a disease that afflicts one in every 8 women and 
affects everyone's lives. Each year, more than 46,000 women lose their 
lives in a fight against breast cancer and it is this fact I find most 
distressing, because in many cases, early detection could have 
prevented the losses of life.
  According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 9 out of every 10 
women who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive. A major component 
in achieving this success rate is educating women to regularly conduct 
breast self-examinations. Again, early detection of breast cancer can 
prevent the loss of life.
  In Kansas City, women are benefiting from the works of Florein 
Leiberman, who founded the Breast Exam Self Testing Program, known as 
the BEST Program. BEST is sponsored by Menorah Medical Center and is 
supported by 35 physicians who volunteer their time and expertise to 
provide a free clinic visit to help educate women on proper breast 
self-examination techniques.
  Since 1985, more than 3,500 women have benefited from this program. 
In addition, BEST is working with local junior and senior high schools 
to help educate young women on ways to work on this disease.

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