[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 131 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING DEDICATION OF THE CITIZENS OF INDIANAPOLIS 
                        TO CURING BREAST CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 1999

  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the commitment the 
citizens of Indianapolis have shown toward reaching a cure for breast 
cancer.
  Breast cancer is more than just a women's issue, it is a family 
issue. Too many families have lost mothers and daughters, aunts and 
sisters to this hideous disease. In the 1990's it is estimated that 
2,000,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer resulting in 
nearly 500,000 deaths. In 1999 alone, an estimated 175,000 women will 
be diagnosed with breast cancer with 43,300 estimated deaths.
  Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of 
cancer among women, and the leading cause of cancer death among women 
between the ages of 40-55. When breast cancer strikes, it strikes at 
families, hopes, and dreams.
  Thanks to the monumental effort of Hoosiers and Americans across the 
country, we are beginning to strike back against breast cancer. The 
cornerstone of this effort is the emphasis of early detection. 
Mammograms can reveal the presence of cancers up to 2 years or more 
before a regular clinical examination or breast self examination, 
reducing mortality by more than 30 percent.
  Education on the benefits of early detection are critical to reducing 
the breast cancer mortality rate. The Cancer Institute recommends 
routine mammography for women in their 40's and older. Early detection 
increases treatment options and survival rates. This message is 
particularly important for African-American women because they have the 
highest mortality rate for breast cancer and for Hispanic women because 
breast cancer incidence rates are increasing faster among Hispanics 
than other women.
  On Saturday, October 16, 1999, 4,500 Hoosiers will participate in a 
5K walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society to celebrate Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of these heroes, I proclaim and 
declare the 16th day of October, 1999, to be ``Making Strides Against 
Breast Cancer Day'' in Indiana's 10th Congressional District.

                          ____________________