[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 141 (Monday, October 31, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today, I want to discuss the importance 
of breast cancer awareness. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness 
Month, and during this time, a concerted effort is being made to bring 
awareness to the public about the importance of women taking control 
over their health. As a husband of a two-time breast cancer survivor, I 
am deeply committed to supporting this campaign and to finding a cure 
for this awful disease.
  I understand that finding out that a loved one has breast cancer is 
frightening news and one of the most difficult experiences any family 
can encounter. Unfortunately, far too many families face these 
challenges each year. In fact, according to the American Cancer 
Society, one in three women is diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet 
initiatives, such as the National Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, are 
working to help to decrease these numbers by educating women about the 
importance of preventive efforts such as self-exams and mammograms.
  Even though we have the most advanced medical technologies and 
experts in the world, we have continued to face increases in the 
prevalence of breast cancer in recent years. In fact, research has 
shown that breast cancer rates have increased progressively since 1998. 
Though the national rate of breast cancer mortality has fallen since 
2002, still approximately 24 percent of South Dakota women diagnosed 
with breast cancer do not survive.
  One of the best ways to decrease the breast cancer mortality rate is 
through early detection and treatment, which is the fundamental goal of 
the National Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Recognizing this goal, 
each year my wife Barbara and I sponsor a mammogram van at the South 
Dakota State Fair. This mammogram van, provided by a local health care 
facility, offers two days of free mammograms for uninsured, low-income 
women. We are proud to sponsor such an important service. As we learned 
with Barbara's case, early detection and treatment is key in beating 
this disease and that is why women must have access to mammogram exams.
  Because of the work of the American Cancer Society, scientists, 
researchers, and the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, I 
look forward to the future when women and families do not have to hear 
the words ``breast cancer.'' And until that day comes, I will continue 
to show my support for the goals of this critical campaign for women's 
health.

                          ____________________