House Passes Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Act
House Passes Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Act
The U.S. House of Representatives today, by voice vote, approved H.R. 1245, the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005.
H.R. 1245 will authorize $16.5 million for programs to educate women and healthcare providers with respect to gynecologic cancers.
"The legislation is the product of a broad coalition of supporters with a commitment to making a gynecologic cancer awareness program a reality," said Rep. Issa, who introduced the legislation last year. "I'd like to thank Reps. Sander Levin, Rosa DeLauro, Kay Granger, and Dan Burton who introduced this legislation with me, as well as Chairman Joe Barton, Ranking Member John Dingell, and Chairman Nathan Deal, for their help in passing this important bill. Many cancer survivors, including a member of my staff, along with the friends and family of those who have fought cancer, played a pivotal role in passing this legislation and I appreciate their leadership in this effort."
The idea for the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Act, also known as "Johanna's Law," was conceived by Sheryl Silver, who lost her sister, Johanna, to ovarian cancer following a three-and-a-half year battle with the disease.
"Every inch of progress we make fighting these deadly diseases gets us closer to a cure," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a 20-year survivor of ovarian cancer. "Johanna's Law recognizes something critical - that until we have accurate screening methods, public education is one of the most critical weapons we have toward beating gynecologic cancers like ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer. In creating a federal campaign to educate women and health care providers alike, as this legislation does, we can take a bold step toward ensuring women know which symptoms to look for and how to seek help before it is too late. I am delighted that this legislation has passed the U.S. House."
H.R. 1245 now awaits action in the U.S. Senate. Rep. Issa stated optimism that the Senate will pass this life-saving measure before it adjourns for the year.
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