[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of recognizing the month 
of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  This special recognition started 25 years ago to highlight and raise 
awareness of this devastating disease.
  Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the 
U.S. other than skin cancer.
  In 2009, it is estimated that in the United States there will be 
192,370 new cases and 40,170 deaths from breast cancer.
  Sadly, just in my District in San Bernardino County, California the 
breast cancer incidence was reported to be 116.6 cases per 100,000 
females during the period of 2001 to 2005.
  This is why we need to continue all efforts to raise awareness, not 
just during October but throughout the year.
  As a husband, father, grandfather, and as a son--the wonderful women 
in my life continue to be my driving force behind trying to make a 
difference in this fight against breast cancer.
  My efforts and passion date back to my public service in the 
California State Legislature.
  Through the leadership of Senator Dianne Feinstein, I helped passed 
the reauthorization for the Breast Cancer Stamp, which to this date has 
raised over $55 million dollars for research on breast cancer.
  These efforts coupled with the month long activities of many 
organizations on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness Month are necessary 
to ensure that all men and women across America have the tools to 
overcome breast cancer.
  While we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we must 
also keep in mind that breast cancer is prevalent in our society and 
any healthcare reform must address this problem.
  This is why passing healthcare reform that includes a ban on denying 
coverage based on pre-existing conditions is extremely important.
  Millions of Americans combating breast cancer must not be denied 
coverage based on their condition at a time when these individuals need 
coverage the most.
  We must ensure that access to adequate testing for breast cancer and 
patient education is readily available.
  I congratulate all individuals and organizations that will hold 
events this month, and urge every American to do their part to observe 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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