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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month -
a time for our nation to focus its efforts on
combating this life-threatening disease. As a woman
and a member of the United States Senate, I will
continue to lead the charge to raise our nation’s
awareness about early detection - the best and most
effective method of combating breast cancer and
saving lives.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer in American women, excluding skin cancer. It
is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause
of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2004 alone,
it is estimated that over 215,000 new cases of
breast cancer will be diagnosed and that 40,000
women will lose their lives from the disease in this
country.
Detection is the key to successfully beating and
surviving this disease - the five-year survival rate
for localized breast cancer is 97 percent when
discovered early. That is why, starting at the age
of 40, women should get a mammogram every year and a
clinical breast exam as part of their yearly
physical check up with women between the ages of
20-39 getting one every three years. It is also
critical that women talk to their healthcare
providers about any risk factors they might have
like whether it runs in their families. In order for
our health care system to work effectively, doctors
need to know of any health changes as soon as they
occur to aggressively route this disease.
Most breast cancer-related deaths can be
prevented through simple and painless preventive
measures. A late diagnosis can result in more
serious, long-term consequences. What’s more, some
women are more susceptible to this potentially
deadly disease than others. Risk factors, including
age and family health history, can greatly increase
the chances of breast cancer. As a cosponsor of a
resolution in the Senate designating the third
Friday in October as National Mammography Day, I
encourage all women over 40 and those higher risk
women to get a mammogram every year.
In recent years, the guidelines for mammograms,
including at what age women should start having them
and how frequently, have been called into question.
That’s why I successfully lead the fight to improve
mammograms by having the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) issue clear standards for this essential
life-saving process. We also must do more to
increase the involvement of patients and survivors
in the critical decision-making process about this
disease. The "Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer
Research Act," which I introduced, does just that by
bringing in these varied and important voices to the
table to be included in NCI breast cancer policies.
What is also clear is the central role that
research plays in eradicating this disease. I have
led a bipartisan effort for increased support for
the Department of Defense (DoD) "Peer-Reviewed
Breast Cancer Research Program" that funds research
at universities, hospitals, non-profits and
for-profit institutions, private industry and state
and federal agencies to eradicate breast cancer.
While early detection and research play central
roles in fighting breast cancer, women also must
take steps to lead healthier lives. A few simple
lifestyle changes like healthy eating habits and
moderate exercise can significantly improve a
woman’s overall health. The decision to live
healthier and start taking preventive measures to
improve one’s health rests with each woman.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us
all that when it comes to breast cancer, the
difference between life and death for many women can
be measured in a commitment to mammograms,
self-exams, and regular doctor visits. Let’s get the
message out to all women that they have the chance
to reduce their risk for breast cancer not just this
month, but for the rest of their lives.
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