[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. DENISE L. MAJETTE

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, every three minutes a woman in America is 
diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast 
cancer in her lifetime.
  Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women between the 
ages of 40 and 55.
  In my state of Georgia, this year an estimated 5,400 women will be 
diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,000 women will die from the 
disease.
  In the two counties I represent, 86 people a year die from breast 
cancer in DeKalb County and in Gwinnett County, 38 people a year die 
from breast cancer.
  The breast cancer death rate is even higher among African American 
women--with an estimated 20,000 expected new cases in 2003.
  Early detection is the key. Mammography screening can detect the 
disease before any symptoms occur.
  Women must have guaranteed access to mammograms and preventive care, 
including regular checkups.
  We also need to prevent insurers and employers from discriminating 
against women because they are more likely to get diseases like breast 
cancer. We must pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in 
Health Insurance and Employment Act.
  But our top priority must be finding a cure.
  Too many of our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends die from this 
disease. Funding early prevention and finding a cure should be national 
priorities.

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