[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      NATIONAL BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection 
Program Reauthorization Act.
  Increasing access to cancer screening for women at risk is an 
essential part of preventing deaths from breast and cervical cancers. 
However, unfortunately, women with fewer resources and women of color, 
who are disproportionately uninsured or underinsured, are significantly 
less likely to have access to preventative screenings such as 
mammograms and Pap tests.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1132, which reauthorizes the 
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NBCCEDP, 
to improve access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and 
cervical cancers among underserved women. It also authorizes increased 
funding for this lifesaving program.
  Since it was created in 1991, NBCCEDP has provided breast and 
cervical cancer screening services to more than 2.9 million uninsured 
and underinsured women. It has diagnosed more than 29,000 breast 
cancers, 94,000 precursor cervical lesions, and 1,800 cervical cancers. 
H.R. 1132 renews our commitment to saving women's lives through 
screening and early detection of breast and cervical cancers.
  Ensuring that all women have access to these vital health services 
must be a priority. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
bill.




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