[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EARLY ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, this week I will be introducing 
the EARLY Act: The Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires 
Learning Young Act of 2009. The EARLY Act is designed to empower young 
women to learn the facts, know their bodies, speak up for their health, 
and embrace support.
  Despite the perception, young women can and do get breast cancer. 
More than 10,000 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every 
year in the United States. Although the incidence of breast cancer in 
young women is much lower, young women's breast cancers are generally 
more aggressive, are diagnosed at a later stage, and result in lower 
survival rates.
  Additionally, certain ethnic groups, including Ashkenazi Jews and 
African American young women, have an increased risk of breast cancer.
  I became acutely aware of all of this information, and more, a little 
more than a year ago. After finding a lump in my breast while doing my 
routine breast self-exam in the shower, I learned a few weeks later 
from my doctor that I had breast cancer.
  Upon learning of my diagnosis and after genetic counseling, I also 
decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic 
mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. As a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish 
descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for these gene 
mutations. The test results showed that I did indeed carry the BRCA2 
genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and 
ovarian cancers.
  After further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided 
to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed to reduce the 
likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. Today, with a clean bill of 
health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act.
  The EARLY Act encourages young women to be familiar with the look and 
feel of their breasts. By knowing what feels normal, a young woman has 
a better chance of knowing when something feels different.
  The EARLY Act will also work to educate young women about changes in 
their body that could be warning signs of breast cancer. We want them 
to know that it doesn't only start with a lump. It can be swelling, a 
rash, breast pain, nipple pain, redness or scaliness, too.
  The EARLY Act will encourage young women to be their own voice--to 
speak up for themselves and know when they need to go to their doctor.
  The EARLY Act will teach both young women and medical professionals 
alike about risk factors, warning signs of breast cancer, and 
predictive tools such as genetic testing, that can help women make 
informed decisions about their health.
  It will also provide grants to organizations dedicated to supporting 
young women and the unique issues we face when diagnosed with breast 
cancer, as well as managing and understanding their risks.
  Today, we often fail to teach about risk in this country. As a 
result, many of us face serious consequences in our lives. We need to 
change the educational dialogue and empower not only young women, but 
everyone to take control of the risks they face. And that begins with 
education and awareness.
  I thought I knew all of my personal risk factors for breast cancer. 
Because of those risk factors, I performed self-exams, went to my 
doctor regularly, and have been a longtime legislative advocate in the 
fight against breast cancer. But when I was diagnosed, I found out I 
had more risk factors than I was aware of.
  For example, I had absolutely no idea that as an Ashkenazi Jewish 
woman, I was five times more likely than the general population to have 
an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, or what the risks of carrying that gene 
entailed.
  This bill will give all young women the tools they need to take 
control of the risks by teaching awareness of their personal risks and 
what they can do to manage those risks.
  At the end of the day, the old saying rings true: Knowledge is power. 
By making sure young women know their risk factors, the EARLY Act is 
the first step in transforming how we approach the fight against breast 
cancer.
  In hearing my story, some people might say I was lucky. While I was 
certainly fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't 
find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of 
knowledge and awareness. I knew I should perform breast self-exams, and 
I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like.
  It is my hope that by sharing my story we will pass the Breast Cancer 
Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 into law 
this year and further reduce the death rate of young women diagnosed 
with breast cancer.
  We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more 
than just luck. Their survival depends on it.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this vital legislation. Thank you 
very much.

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