DeLauro, Kelly Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer Treatment

DeLauro, Kelly Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer Treatment

- Lawmakers Urge Support of Their Legislation at St. Raphael's Rally -

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - In an effort to end "drive-thru" mastectomies - procedures that force women from the hospital prematurely after a mastectomy because their insurance will not cover the stay - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Conn.-3) today hosted a rally at St. Raphael's Hospital. DeLauro was joined by her colleague Congresswoman Sue Kelly (R-NY-19) to urge support of legislation they introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year to combat the practice. The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act will better protect women as they cope with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

"As a survivor of ovarian cancer, I know first-hand how difficult the recovery process is," said DeLauro. "This bipartisan, common-sense legislation would end the process of drive-thru mastectomies, giving women cancer patients exactly what they need after major surgery - more time in the hospital recovering."

"I am delighted Congresswoman Kelly has joined in this effort and traveled to New Haven to discuss this important issue today," DeLauro concluded.

"Congresswoman DeLauro is a recognized leader on women's cancer issues in Congress, and we are working together to pass the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act on behalf of all women who face breast cancer today or in the future," Kelly said. "No woman should ever be forced to fight breast cancer and red tape at the same time. Our bill helps ensure that financial decisions and insurance restrictions do not obstruct a woman's breast cancer treatment options."

David Benfer, President and CEO of Saint Raphael Healthcare System, welcomed the lawmakers to the hospital. Dr. Kristen Zarfos, the local physician who inspired the legislation, and Dr. Andrea Silber, Director of Cancer Control and Early Detection at St. Raphael's spoke of new efforts underway in cancer treatment. Camille Thornton, a New Haven resident and cancer survivor spoke of her diagnosis and her "drive-thru" mastectomy. To raise awareness of breast cancer treatment, area advocacy groups including Sister's Journey, the Susan Komen Foundation of Connecticut and Y-Me attended to encourage support of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act.

Also speaking in support of the bill was Eileen de Parrie, director of Public Affairs at Lifetime Television. More than 10 million Lifetime viewers have showed support for the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act by signing a petition to Congress at LifetimeTV.com as part of an Internet and e-mail public awareness effort. At today's event, more signatures were added to the petition. The petition is here: http://www.lifetimetv.com/reallife/bc/pledges/bc_mast_pledge.html.

Women in the United States today have a 1 in 7 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. This year, more than 216,000 women will receive a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in America.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/July/breast_cancer_07_11_05.html