[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2183]]



                         CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month. It is my hope the awareness of breast cancer 
will continue throughout the year.
  Last year 182,000 women were diagnosed with this horrendous disease. 
Breast cancer affects young and old--regardless of race, religion, or 
economic status. The women affected are our mothers, sisters, wives, 
and friends.
  It is through brave women such as Helen Gibbons, Sammye Fark, Sandra 
Rank, Mary Dreas, and Lynda Long that I have learned about breast 
cancer. And most importantly the devastating effects it has on these 
women and their families. While the medical community has made great 
advances in the detection and treatment of this disease--chances of 
survival increase dramatically if breast cancer is caught early. That 
is why I encourage women over 40 to have regular mammograms and for all 
women to do a self breast exam once a month.
  Even through October has ended, we all must continue to keep the 
spotlight on this devastating disease.

                          ____________________