[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[House]
[Page 31717]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, breast cancer mammograms 
have been in the news with concern for Federal Government guidelines on 
who should have a mammogram and at what age.
  More relevant is the fact that breast cancer is the most common 
cancer among American women next to skin cancers. The American Cancer 
Society estimates that 40,170 women will die from breast cancer in 
2009.
  As daunting as that figure is, there is another figure that tells the 
story. At this time, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer 
survivors in the United States.
  Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990. 
The decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection 
through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved 
treatment.
  Guidelines are simply that. Every woman should talk to her physician 
about her past history and current health to determine the frequency of 
mammogram exams.
  This disease touches us all. I doubt there is anyone here who doesn't 
have a relative who has suffered from breast cancer. In this season of 
giving, encourage your loved ones to talk to their physicians and have 
screening tests as often as they suggest. It will save lives.

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