Latham Sponsored Breast Cancer Patient Protection Measure Approved By U.S. House
Washington,
Sep 29 -
Washington, D.C.--The United States House of Representatives approved legislation this past week that ensures increased protection of breast cancer patients going through life-saving procedures. In a move to ban the practice of “drive-through” mastectomies, Iowa Congressman Tom Latham provided key support as a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act. The legislation requires insurance companies cover inpatient stays and radiation therapy for breast cancer patients requiring mastectomies or breast conserving surgeries.
"Breast cancer is a horrific disease that strikes hundreds of thousands of women every year,” said Latham. “It is the leading form of cancer in women in the United States, and many of us have been personally affected by it. It threatens our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. This legislation provides common-sense support for those who are fighting the battle of their lives, and sends a message that they have the right to the health care support they deserve.”
Statistics show that women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. Yet with each passing year more women than ever are able to claim that they are breast cancer survivors. In fact, if it is detected early, the breast cancer survival rate is as high as 93 percent. In Iowa, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,000 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year. In the latest figures, an estimated 410 women in Iowa died from breast cancer in 2006. Latham expressed his belief that as a state and a nation, we all must do more to prevent these tragic deaths. A way to prevent the disease remains unknown, but early detection is the key to the survival of breast cancer. The best methods of early detection and survival of breast cancer are self-examination and mammograms.
The legislation now awaits action by the United States Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.
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