[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 164 (Monday, October 31, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize October as 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This disease affects people 
everywhere of all walks of life, taking the lives of approximately 
40,000 women in our country each year. In Connecticut, over 3,000 new 
cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year.
  The epidemic incidence of breast cancer reminds us of the need for 
vigilance and vigor in fighting it. I applaud the various advocacy and 
fundraising organizations that have fought on behalf of the millions of 
individuals affected by breast cancer. These organizations have been 
instrumental in raising awareness of breast cancer throughout the 
health community, public, and Congress. Their work in promoting vital 
prevention activities and critical funding within government agencies 
for breast cancer has saved millions of lives, and I thank them for all 
they have done in the fight against breast cancer.
  It is important to remember this month, and always, how critical 
preventive care is in the fight against breast cancer. I strongly 
encourage individuals to speak with their doctors about breast cancer 
to determine what steps they should take to protect themselves. Early 
detection can significantly lower the risk of death from breast cancer, 
and I hope women will be reminded this month to seek the preventive 
care they may need.
  While progress has been made on this issue, we must continue to fight 
against breast cancer. I know my colleagues and I can agree that this 
this fight is a national priority, and I look forward to working with 
them on this issue in the coming years.

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