Pelosi Statement on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pelosi Statement on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

â€Å"As October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is an opportunity for Americans to renew our commitment to increasing public awareness about the importance of early detection and regular mammograms and to honor both survivors and those who have dedicated their lives to preventing breast cancer.

â€Å"For 21 years, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Program has made successful efforts to improve screening at national, state, and local levels. A significant increase in funding has led to expanded research that has improved prevention and detection. This research has also expanded treatment options for breast cancer that have reduced the breast cancer death rate.

â€Å"The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. We know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. We also know that early detection and treatment can save lives. However, we should not become complacent about the possibility of detecting potential links between the environment and breast cancer and other cancers. In 2004, I introduced legislation to create a nationwide health tracking system to collect, analyze, and report data on the rate of chronic diseases like breast cancer, and the presence of relevant environmental factors and exposures. These investments are critical, and I will continue to fight to that end.

â€Å"Unfortunately, since fiscal year 2003, President Bush and the Republican-led Congress have cut funding for the National Cancer Institute by 12 percent. It is long past time for a new direction that renews our commitment to fighting breast cancer by increasing funding levels for research and for breast and cervical cancer screening programs. We must also continue to educate and inform women about regular self-examination, physician examination, and to ensure access to low-cost, effective mammograms.

â€Å"As we commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we remember our family members and friends who have lost their lives to breast cancer and salute the more than 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and the efforts of survivors, volunteers, and professionals who work to combat this disease each day.”