[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 168 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       SUPPORTING THE OBSERVANCE OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 29, 2007

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, as this week concludes the 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October, I rise today to 
reflect on some of the issues that have been brought to the country's 
attention over the last 30 days.
  According to the National Cancer Institute there have been over 
180,000 new cases of breast cancer among men and women and nearly 
50,000 deaths in the United States this year. Breast Cancer 
disproportionately affects women and is the second leading cause of 
death for American women.
  Mrs. Priscilla Davis from Hartford, Connecticut, a constituent as 
well as the mother of a member of my staff, was diagnosed with breast 
cancer in 2006. Her story is an all too familiar one--a story of fear 
and confusion on one hand, and courage, strength and hope on the other. 
Thankfully, Priscilla's breast cancer was detected early and treated 
before it was too late. Sadly, as the statistics show, many women are 
not as fortunate.
  Research, education, and awareness are essential in curbing the 
mortality rates of breast cancer. I would like to commend organizations 
like the American Cancer Society and the Susan Komen Foundation for 
their commitment to making us aware of the symptoms of breast cancer 
and for their advocacy on behalf of the women and families who have 
been affected by this deadly disease.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the women and men across the country who 
share Priscilla Davis's story and in honor of those who have lost their 
lives to the disease, I ask my colleagues to join me in carrying 
forward what we learned during this year's National Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month in the hope that during the next one we will also have 
cause to celebrate a cure.

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