Congressman John D. Dingell

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments after the Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously approved HR 5472, The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2006. If passed by the full House and the Senate, this legislation would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that helps uninsured and underserved women gain access to screening services for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. Screening for and early detection of breast and cervical cancer reduces death rates and greatly improves cancer patients’ survival. Unfortunately, there is a low rate of screening among women of certain racial and ethnic minorities and among under- or uninsured women, which creates a wide gap in health outcomes. This is a chance for Congress to prolong the lives of women all around the country.

“This program is vital to the health and well-being of women nationwide, and is supported by the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I commend my colleagues on the Committee for their quick action and I hope the House and Senate act just as quickly.”