[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EARLY DETECTION MONTH FOR BREAST CANCER

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                               speech of

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 158, expressing support for the designation of an 
Early Detection Month to enhance public awareness of cancer screening.
  As a young woman, I recently experienced firsthand why early 
detection is vital. As you may know, nearly two years ago, I was 
diagnosed with breast cancer.
  During my year of treatment, I underwent genetic counseling and 
testing. I met with many specialists. I had seven surgeries. I am 
pleased to stand before you today cancer-free.
  But the fact is, I may not have been around for any of these life 
saving procedures if I didn't have the knowledge and awareness to catch 
my lump early.
  As a Member of Congress and lifelong advocate for early detection of 
cancer, I knew the statistics for breast cancer--that 1 in 8 women will 
be diagnosed in her lifetime.
  I knew the importance of knowing what your breasts are supposed to 
feel like--that's why I chose to do self-exams.
  I knew the importance of early detection--clinical exams every 3 
years as of age 20; every year after 40 . . . mammograms every year 
after 40.
  And yet for all that I knew to help me increase my chances of early 
detection of cancer, I soon realized how much I didn't know.
  I didn't know that--even with no immediate family history of breast 
cancer--as an Ashkenazi Jew I was five times more likely to have the 
mutation . . . and, if I did, that I'd have up to an 85 percent 
lifetime chance of getting breast cancer . . . and up to a 60 percent 
chance of getting ovarian cancer.
  I didn't know that, because it's often more aggressive and diagnosed 
later, younger women--compared to older women--are more likely to die.
  But I thank God that I knew enough. I didn't find my tumor through 
luck. I found it through knowledge and awareness, the fundamental tools 
for early detection.
  These are the reasons why I commend my colleague, Congressman 
Etheridge, for introducing this critical resolution that will enhance 
public awareness of screening for breast cancer and all other forms of 
cancer.
  At the end of the day, knowledge is power. And with this resolution, 
we will give men and women all across America the power to detect 
cancer early, and we will save lives.

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