[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2015

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, every October 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized--acknowledging the toll the 
disease takes on individuals and families, and the importance of 
continued research and awareness efforts. Since 1989, thanks to earlier 
detection, increased understanding, and improved treatment, the death 
rates for breast cancer have continued to decrease. Yet breast cancer 
remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women, with one in 
36 women dying from the disease. Just this year, it is estimated that 
231,840 women will be diagnosed with and 40,290 women will die of 
cancer of the breast in the United States. In addition, it is estimated 
that 2,350 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 440 
men will die from breast cancer in 2015 in the United States.
  We need to do more to combat this disease. In 2014 alone it is 
estimated that $17.2 billion will be spent on breast cancer care in the 
United States. While the National Institutes of Health and the 
Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program remain the largest 
funders of breast cancer research in the United States, the National 
Cancer Institute funding was reduced by nearly $66 million from 2011 to 
2013. The funding level for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer 
Research Program has remained consistent since 2012; however this 
amount represents a 20 percent decrease from 2011 funding levels.
  Additional private sector support will help us find cures for breast 
cancer even faster. That is why my colleague Representative Pete 
Sessions and I are introducing the Breast Cancer Awareness 
Commemorative Coin Act. Proceeds from the sale of the coins will 
benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen for 
the Cure. These two organizations have raised more than $500 million 
and $847 million, respectively, for research funding. By leveraging the 
proceeds of the coins we will be able to increase the much needed 
support for breast cancer research and awareness.
  Clearly, more needs to be done to find better treatments and cures 
for breast cancer. Our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, cannot 
afford to wait. I encourage you to support this bipartisan legislation.

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