[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24695]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness 
Month, I rise in support of all of the women and families across this 
nation who have been affected by or are at risk of breast cancer.
  Breast cancer is a serious health concern for all women. Besides skin 
cancer, more women in the United States are diagnosed with breast 
cancer than any other cancer each year. One in nine American women will 
be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, and about 40,800 
will die from this disease during this year alone.
  All women are at risk. Two-thirds of women with breast cancer have no 
family history of the disease or show other risk factors. Although 
there is a greater chance of incidence in women over 50 years old, 
breast cancer can occur at any age. White women are more likely to 
develop breast cancer than other women, however women of all races can 
be affected. For example, Asian Pacific Americans have a rate of 72.6 
incidences per 100,000 people, and Hispanics have a rate of 69.4 of 
incidences per 100,000 people.
  Such facts and figures illustrate the widespread severity of this 
issue, and I commend the many local and national organizations who have 
dedicated their time and efforts in the fight against breast cancer. 
Many organizations are active in developing programs to raise awareness 
on breast cancer, conducting extensive research, organizing programs 
and support groups for breast cancer patients and families, performing 
community services and volunteer work, and compiling and distributing 
information. With the help of such efforts, women have detected breast 
cancer earlier through monthly breast exams and annual mammograms. 
Currently, there are two million breast cancer survivors in the United 
States.
  I urge my colleagues to join the battle against breast cancer and 
support initiatives that help women across our nation face the 
challenges of this deadly disease. Therefore, I recognize Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month for all of the mothers, sisters, and daughters, 
families, and friends across the nation who have been affected by or 
are at risk of breast cancer, and I pay tribute to those who have 
passed on due to this disease.

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