Breast Cancer Awareness

Floor Speech

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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