[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           OCTOBER AS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month. I am proud that October can be dedicated to raising 
awareness of the need for regular mammograms and doctor's visits. A 
member of my staff has come face to face with this disease, and I am 
proud to share her story. Hannah's mother was diagnosed with breast 
cancer in 1990 at the age of 38. Hannah was only 11 years old, with one 
older brother and two younger sisters, but she remembers being 
frightened when her parents told her about her mother's cancer. The 
doctor had found the lump, which was too small for her to feel. If she 
had not gone to the doctor, it would have spread fast and deadly.
  Fortunately, because of awareness, Hannah's mother's cancer was found 
early, surgery was performed, and she has done great ever since. 
Fortunately, because of awareness, Hannah only remembers being 
frightened, but she doesn't have to remember losing her mother to 
breast cancer because that did not happen. This story is only one of 
many which emphasize the need for breast cancer awareness. We all need 
to insist that our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, wives, and 
daughters need to get regular mammograms and talk to their doctors 
about this disease. It is absolutely essential that the information 
gets out to these women, and that the cancer is caught early. Hannah is 
grateful that her mother paid attention and has since fostered this 
awareness in Hannah and her two sisters.
  I support reauthorization for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer 
Early Detection Program. Breast cancer remains the second highest cause 
of death for women today. This is a reality that can stop only through 
awareness.

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