[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20835]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      H. CON. RES. 64, CERVICAL CANCER PUBLIC AWARENESS RESOLUTION

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                               speech of

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my colleagues in the House 
for their support of H. Con. Res. 64, the Cervical Cancer Public 
Awareness Resolution. I am proud to have supported this legislation as 
a cosponsor.
  This resolution recognizes the severity of the issue of cervical 
cancer. In order to defeat cervical cancer this country must open its 
eyes to the disease's catastrophic effects. This legislation seeks to 
accomplish that objective. It calls on the United States as a whole to 
support individuals who have been afflicted with cervical cancer, as 
well as their loved ones. This resolution not only makes Americans 
aware of this horrible disease, it also urges them to take the 
opportunity to learn about cervical cancer and take advantage of the 
improved early detection methods now available. Additionally, this 
legislation articulates Congress's recognition of the importance of 
federally funded programs that provide cervical cancer screenings and 
follow-up services to medically under served individuals. It is vitally 
important that each and every woman in America have access to these 
early detection screenings.
  Cervical cancer annually strikes an estimated 15,000 women in the 
United States. It is estimated that during this decade more than 
150,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United 
States. Even more startling is that during an average woman's lifetime 
cervical cancer strikes one out of every 50 American women. Studies 
show that although cervical cancer is a preventable disease in a 
majority of cases it is still one of the leading causes of death among 
women worldwide. Although these statistics appear dismal, I am 
optimistic that through awareness and research we can eventually 
prevent this disease from taking any more lives. Even today, cervical 
cancer can be successfully treated and even prevented in many cases. 
The key to prevention is through early detection. Unfortunately, many 
women are not aware of the dangers or even the existence of cervical 
cancer, therefore they do not take the proper precautions through early 
detection screenings.
  It is my sincere hope that this legislation will promote widespread 
awareness throughout the United States. This bill will bring awareness 
to this very serious disease, and educate all individuals, not only 
women, on the availability of early detection methods. I believe that 
through awareness and education we can save thousands of lives, and 
actually prevent cervical cancer in thousands of other lives. Again, I 
am proud to have supported the Cervical Cancer Public Awareness 
Resolution.

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