[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY DURING NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
National Mammography Day during this month of National Breast Cancer 
Awareness. In 1993 President Clinton proclaimed the 3rd Friday in 
October of every year as National Mammography Day. Our Celebration of 
this day and month is a step forward in finding a cure for Breast 
Cancer in the United States and the world as a whole.
  National Mammography Day is a day for many people in the United 
States who have not had mammogram screenings or do not have the 
opportunity to get the screening, to get them free or at a discount 
price at different participating facilities in their areas. This day 
gives hope to people in the United States who may have or are at risk 
of getting breast cancer. Studies have shown that having mammogram 
screening helps with early detection and treatment, thereby saving the 
lives of many people. Between 1989 and 1995 there was a significant 
decline in the death rate from breast cancer, where it dropped by 1.4 
percent each year, and between 1995 and 1998 the decrease accelerated 
to a decline of 3.2 percent annually. Studies have shown that these 
improvements are due to early detection and improved treatment, which 
would not have been possible without mammogram screening.
  Many people are becoming aware of the importance of mammogram 
screening including Congress. In 1992, Congress established the 
Mammography Quality Standards Act, requiring all mammography facilities 
to meet quality criteria in order to operate. Federal funding for 
breast cancer research has grown 600 percent, from $92.7 million in 
1991 to $660 million in 1999. States also understand the need for 
health insurance coverage for mammogram screening. In 1985, Illinois 
the state I represent and Virginia required that health insurers cover 
the cost of mammogram screenings. As of 2002, 46 other states have 
followed suit by requiring insurance coverage for mammogram screenings.
  We need to continue to make people aware of the importance of early 
detection and that it helps to save and prolong life, and one way to do 
this is via mammogram screening. People need to be aware that breast 
cancer does not discriminate based on sex; both women and men are at 
risk of getting breast cancer. Breast cancer does not discriminate 
based on color or ethnicity, Caucasian-Americans, African-Americans, 
Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, American Indians, Native Hawaiians 
and Alaska Natives are all susceptible to breast cancer. Breast cancer 
also does not discriminate based on age, people as young as 20 years 
old and as old as 80 years old are at risk for breast cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, progress is being made in finding a cure for the disease 
and we should not give up hope. I have hope that we will find a cure 
soon for breast cancer. I want to commend those who have being doing 
research in finding a cure for the disease, providing emotional and 
financial support and treatment for people with the disease. Mr. 
Speaker, we should continue to recognize the importance of this day and 
month because the battle in finding a cure for breast cancer is not 
over, there is much work to be done.

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