[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month, which begins on October 1. This month should 
serve as a time to reflect on the struggles faced by women fighting 
this deadly disease and to celebrate how far we have come and all we 
have accomplished in the fight for a cure.
  This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Breast and 
Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which has provided health 
services to more than 3.7 million underserved women. It focuses on one 
of the key factors in surviving breast cancer--early detection. Due to 
the sobering fact that breast cancer will afflict 1.3 million women 
this year, it is vital that we ensure access to affordable breast 
health services. Last year alone, the early detection program screened 
almost 325,000 women for breast cancer--and detected 4,600 instances of 
cancer.
  In addition to maintaining this progress, we must also maintain our 
investment in innovative research to develop better screening tools and 
treatments. Numerous provisions in the health reform law will improve 
breast cancer screening, including annual mammograms for women age 40 
and older.
  A number of non-profit organizations are dedicated to saving lives 
and ensuring quality care for those suffering from this terrible 
disease. This is the 30th anniversary of Nancy G. Brinker's promise to 
her sister, Susan Komen, that she would do everything in her power to 
end breast cancer forever.
  I encourage everyone to join me in recognizing Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month. I would like to acknowledge this month as a time of 
hope for those fighting this disease and to honor the 2.5 million 
survivors living in the U.S. today who serve as a testament to the 
power of education, early detection, and advances in treatment.

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