[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H6895-H6896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind us of the 
importance of the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  Like any disease that affects people regardless of race, color, 
creed, or their status in society, cancer not only tests the mental and 
physical strength of the person fighting the disease, it has a deep and 
lasting impact on family, friends, and communities.
  Currently, more than 100 different types of cancer exist, but, in my 
humble opinion, none is more wicked than breast cancer. This is most 
likely because breast cancer is one of the most common and deadly 
cancers among women.

[[Page H6896]]

  In fact, one in eight women in America will be diagnosed with breast 
cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer can be a cruel disease. It tears 
mothers from their children, wives from their husbands, and daughters 
from their parents.
  In 2015, it is anticipated that, in our country alone, more than 
40,000 women will die from breast cancer. While women are most at risk, 
we must remember that this disease does not just affect women; while 
less common in the United States, 2,350 men are diagnosed with breast 
cancer each year.
  In the past 20 years, there have been incredible advances in the 
research and medicine surrounding breast cancer, but there is much left 
to be done. We can't rest until we can prevent or cure this horrible 
disease.
  Again, we have already made huge strides in the fight against breast 
cancer. Death rates due to breast cancer have been declining since 
1989, and women younger than 50 are now less likely to get breast 
cancer than ever before. This is largely due to the awareness that has 
been raised on the importance of self-exams and yearly doctor 
physicals.
  However, currently, 29 percent of insured women are still not 
receiving mammograms; and for women without health insurance, the 
percentage is even higher, with 68 percent not receiving mammograms.
  It is extremely important that we continue to place an emphasis on 
early detection so that we can catch this disease as early as possible 
and have the best shot at beating it.
  While there are factors like genetics and age that can make someone 
more susceptible to the disease, breast cancer does not discriminate 
against education, upbringing, or wealth. From CEOs in New York City to 
a stay-at-home mom in small town Minnesota, this disease knows no 
bounds.
  I expect that just about everyone who walks these halls and too many 
to count across our country have been impacted by breast cancer in some 
way. I am no exception. Fifteen years ago, I lost my sister, Bridget, 
to breast cancer. Bridget was only 38 years old when she left us. She 
left behind two beautiful daughters and a husband who loved her.
  While her life was a lesson on how to get the most out of each second 
of every minute of every hour and every day, there is not a day that 
goes by when I don't wish there could have been a cure for her.
  For those who have experienced personal loss and pain from breast 
cancer, and for everyone who is fighting this disease, we join with you 
this month not only to raise awareness about breast cancer but to sound 
a call to action, to strengthen our resolve, and to eradicate this 
disease once and for all.
  In Congress, we can absolutely play a role in this effort. To the 
extent possible within our constitutional authority, we can and should 
encourage further advancement of medical research.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Accelerating the End of Breast 
Cancer Act of 2015, which will establish a commission to work to defeat 
this disease. The commission will consist of experts in cancer research 
who will work to identify opportunities and ideas to advance our quest 
to prevent and cure breast cancer for future generations.
  October is a month to raise awareness. We have made progress, and we 
are making progress in our fight against this unforgiving disease. Let 
us use this month to rededicate ourselves to our shared goal of 
eradicating breast cancer once and for all.

                          ____________________