Cancer knows no boundaries – it can affect every one of us.  This year in our country, more than 1.3 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed, with 48,400 diagnosed in Arkansas.  Breast cancer makes up a large portion of those cases – in our state alone there will be 2,000 new breast cancer cases this year.   

Chances are someone very close to you has or will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, and that is why early detection is so important.  There have been tremendous advancements in the detection and treatment of cancer, but awareness is the best defense against this deadly disease. 

This month, I invite you to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities – visit my website, www.house.gov/ross where you can learn how to take advantage of the information and programs available in your area, like free or discounted mammograms on October 17th, as well as a number of local events designed to help spread the word or fund the fight against breast cancer.  

Congressman Ross’s recent efforts in supporting Breast Cancer research and treatment funding in Congress:

·        HR 1622 Quality Cancer Care Preservation Act

Remedies problems in the Medicare payment system for currently covered drugs while preserving access to cancer therapy.

·        HR 817 The Assure Access to Mammography Act

Increases Medicare reimbursements to radiologists. 

Increases the number of radiologists - by increasing the GME in order to provide for additional radiologists in teaching hospitals.

Provides a MEDPAC study on Medicare reimbursement for screening services. 

·        HR 1385 Reauthorizing the Breast Cancer Research Stamp 

Reauthorizes the postage stamp benefiting the National Institute for Health and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. 

·        Ross also signed onto a letter to Speaker Hastert objecting to funding cuts in cancer care reimbursements within the Medicare reform bill.