[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 145 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2011

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month, I rise today to stress the importance of getting 
regular mammograms. Women of all ages need to be screened for this 
deadly disease in order to catch it early. The earlier it is found, the 
higher the chance of winning the battle against breast cancer.
  It has come to light in the past few years that breast cancer, once 
thought of as an older women's disease, does not discriminate between 
young and old. While it remains true that the likelihood of developing 
breast cancer increases with age, the incidence of breast cancer 
diagnoses has increased dramatically among women in their 20s and 30s. 
That is why it is absolutely vital that women, regardless of age, get 
routine mammograms.
  Mammograms are a very powerful tool in the fight against breast 
cancer. Another tool in that fight, and one that should be performed 
every month, is a breast self-exam. They can help discover 
abnormalities in time for the doctors to successfully treat the disease 
and help your chances of a full recovery. Self-exams only take a few 
minutes of your time and could be the difference between life and 
death.
  It is a little known fact and one that is rarely talked about, that 
men are also affected by this disease as well as women. While it is 
uncommon for men to get breast cancer, it does happen. Men should also 
perform breast self-exams on a regular basis.
  Everyone is affected by this disease regardless of age, wealth or 
status, which is why it is so important to encourage your loved ones to 
make an appointment to receive a routine mammogram.
  Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the entire House when I urge women of 
all ages to seek regular mammograms; it is truly a matter of life and 
death.

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