[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR'S DAY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise in support of the 
resolution designating April 1, 1998 as ``National Breast Cancer 
Survivor's Day.''
  It is only proper, Mr. President, that we should set aside a day to 
honor the brave women and men who have survived this dread disease, 
which causes pain, suffering and even death for so many Americans.
  Every year, Mr. President, 178,700 women and 1,600 men in the United 
States are stricken with breast cancer. Each of us must live with the 
knowledge that 1 in 9 American women will suffer from breast cancer in 
her lifetime. That means that virtually all of us will either be 
stricken by breast cancer or know someone who is.
  I know in my case, Mr. President, I lost my mother to breast cancer 
some years ago. It was a painful experience for all of our friends and 
family as well as my mother herself. The pain caused by this dread 
disease is intense for everyone involved, and we must do everything in 
our power to eradicate this scourge.
  Thankfully, Mr. President, we have made some progress in our battle 
with breast cancer. The 5 year survival rate for breast cancer victims 
has risen to 97 percent in cases of early detection.
  Medical advances have helped more women are surviving breast cancer. 
Just as important, however, has been the fact that we as a nation are 
doing a better job of telling women about their options, and of 
emphasizing the importance of self-examination and regular visits to 
the doctor.
  This is one reason, Mr. President, why I believe it is important that 
we honor breast cancer survivors in the manner called for by this 
resolution. By bringing breast cancer survivors together here in 
Washington, DC and elsewhere around the country, we can celebrate 
survivorship and publicize, not just the tragedy of breast cancer, but 
also the hope that is provided by research and early detection.
  We need to get the message out that there are things women can do for 
themselves in the fight against breast cancer. We need to highlight the 
effectiveness of early detection and show our respect for the courage 
of women who have faced this disease and lived.
  We have a long way to go, Mr. President, before we win our battle 
with breast cancer. But research, early detection and programs to make 
Americans aware of their options in dealing with the possibility of 
breast cancer all can help.
  I salute the women of American who have faced breast cancer, along 
with the families and friends who have supported them during their time 
of trial, and I hope that all of us can join together, not only to 
mourn those who lost their battle with breast cancer, but also to honor 
those who have fought that battle and survived.

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