[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN SUPPORT OF INCREASED FUNDING FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
2231, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2005. I, 
along with 254 of my colleagues, have co-sponsored this important 
legislation since it was introduced in March of 2005. Support for this 
legislation will help ensure funding sources for further research and 
study of the environmental factors which contribute to the occurrence 
of breast cancer in both women and men remain available. It is as a 
result of this research that the causes of breast cancer will be 
determined. It is as a result of this research and other efforts that a 
cure will be found.
  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death 
among American women. Sadly, one in every eight American women--an 
estimated 200,000 women this year alone--will be diagnosed with breast 
cancer according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The 
American Cancer Society reports in ``Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 
2005-2006'' that 40,410 women lost their fights with breast cancer last 
year. More must be done to understand the causes of breast cancer. More 
must be done to find a cure.
  On Guam, we have a disturbing shortage of oncology-related services. 
There is no radiology treatment center on Guam. Our only oncologist 
recently left our island. Cancer prevention and research are an even 
higher priority for the people of Guam in light of the challenges we 
face each day toward gaining better access to cancer diagnosis for 
those who may be at risk, better treatment for those battling the 
disease, and better long-term care for those who are survivors.
  A multi-faceted research approach based on a broad spectrum of causes 
ranging from genetics to environmental factors relating to breast 
cancer is needed. We will neglect a major aspect of treatment and 
possible future prevention if we do not support more funding for 
research on the impact of the environment on breast cancer.
  We have an opportunity to further raise awareness for this disease 
next month by scheduling a vote on this bill. October 2006 will mark 
the 21st anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has done excellent, life-saving 
work over the years educating women about early breast cancer 
detection, diagnosis and treatment. NBCAM continues its mission to 
reach out to women with several key messages. Most notably, NBCAM 
advocates for the importance of early detection through annual 
mammography screening for women over 40, or earlier for women at 
increased risk. I commend and fully support their efforts.
  I am committed to help facilitate a better understanding of what 
causes breast cancer. I am committed to help find a cure. Passage of 
H.R. 2231, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2005 
will help achieve these goals. I urge my colleagues to support floor 
consideration for H.R. 2231.

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