Legislative Update by Congressman Mike Ross

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
October 7, 2005
 
October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and each year we dedicate this month to the prevention and early detection of one of the most common cancers among women.  In 2005, it is estimated that over 200,000 women, will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 2,090 of those in Arkansas.    

Breast cancer does not know boundaries and affects women of all ages, color, and ethnicities.  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.  

It is important to perform monthly self examinations and, if you are a woman over the age of 40, a yearly mammogram by your doctor.  I urge you to be cognizant of your family history as you are more likely to be at risk for the disease if your family has a history of the disease. 

Knowledge is the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer.  I hope that you will take a few moments and visit www.cancer.org and www.avonwalk.org to learn about prevention, early detection, and local resources in Arkansas in the fight against the most common cancer among women.  I strongly encourage you to spread the word of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to your family, friends and your community to get the message out that early detection and diagnosis is the key to survival and winning the fight against breast cancer. 

As your Representative in Congress, I will continue to support breast cancer research and treatment funding in Congress.  I am a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act with allows the United States Postal Service to issue special stamps to help fund breast cancer research.  I am also a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2005, which would require group health insurance coverage to include medical and surgical benefits and radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.  I remain committed to defeating breast cancer by raising the public’s awareness and continuing to fund the research necessary to fight this disease.


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