[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2183-E2184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an 
opportunity to celebrate the great strides breast cancer education, 
treatment, and survival that American women enjoy today. It must also 
serve as a reminder not to take our health for granted--to schedule a 
mammogram, perform a breast self-exam, and call a friend to urge her to 
do the same.
  In the United States, every 2\1/2\ minutes another woman is diagnosed 
with breast cancer and every 13 minutes another woman dies from this 
dreadful disease. Almost one-third of these deaths could have been 
prevented if the disease had been discovered in the early stages. The 
lives lost are those of wives, mothers, daughters, and friends.
  Thankfully, a breast cancer diagnosis is no longer a sure death 
sentence. When discovered and treated in the early stages, the five-
year survival rate is 97 percent. Today, there are more than two 
million breast cancer survivors in the United States. These women live 
to celebrate birthdays, holidays, every day with their families and 
friends.
  Early detection opens the door to beating breast cancer, and 
mammograms are the key to that door. Mammograms can find 40 percent of 
cancers not detectable during a breast self-exam or a doctor's exam. It 
is the most effective method of early detection, yet only 63 percent of 
American women between the ages of 40 and 64 had a mammogram in the 
past year. Furthermore, we must search diligently for more effective 
detection technology to improve upon the mammogram.
  Sadly, many women cannot pay for essential screenings. I was proud to 
be an original cosponsor of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer 
Early Detection program. Due to this program and other initiatives, a 
lack of insurance is no longer a barrier to breast cancer survival.
  Let's make the most of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month; let's 
seize this opportunity to take control of our health and our lives. 
Every one of us is at risk for breast cancer, regardless of age, 
health, or family history, simply by being women. Let's say goodbye to 
needless cancer deaths and hello to breast self-exams, clinical breast 
exams, and mammograms. Let's say hello to the thousands of women who 
are here today and will

[[Page E2184]]

be here tomorrow thanks to early breast cancer detection and treatment.

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