[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. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Con. Res. 158 to express my support for the designation 
of an early detection month for breast cancer and all other forms of 
cancer.
  Early detection is incredibly important in saving the lives of 
victims of cancer. While this is true for people suffering from every 
form of cancer, it is particularly important for those suffering from 
breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected through procedures that 
screen for abnormalities in breast tissue, and it is considered to be 
the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from the disease. 
Essentially, these screenings find the cancer early, when it is most 
treatable, and for this reason, designating an early detection month is 
incredibly important to help save the lives of the almost 200,000 women 
in the United States who are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each 
year.
  It is important to note, as well, that the risk of getting breast 
cancer is much lower for African-American women than white women; 
however, African-American women are more likely to die from breast 
cancer. This is attributed partly to the fact that African-American 
women are less likely to get regular mammograms, resulting in a 
diagnosis of breast cancer at a later stage. This is one more reason 
why designating an early detection month is so important.
  In my district, we are doing our part to ensure early detection. 
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the leading advocates for breast 
cancer awareness and actively promotes early detection. From their 
headquarters in Dallas, they have been advancing the cause for breast 
cancer prevention and awareness across the country. I am proud of the 
work they have done to save countless lives across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, today I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in 
supporting this very important resolution that expresses support for 
the designation of an early detection month for cancer and breast 
cancer.

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