October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Baltimore, MD - October 12, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th), released the following statement to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

“We have all been touched in some way by breast cancer. This month is a time for us to remember the loved ones we’ve lost in the battle against the disease and to honor the brave women and men who have prevailed in their struggle.

“Breast cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, with one in every eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime. As of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. But despite the many strides we have made, more than 40,000 women will lose their battle with breast cancer this year.

“These statistics are sobering, but there is hope. Federal funding for breast cancer research has helped propel advances in detection and treatment. And the Affordable Care Act has provided life-saving access to preventive services, including screening, and treatment for millions of women who previously lacked health insurance coverage while ensuring that women who have had breast cancer could no longer be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition.

“We must fight against any threat to these protections to ensure women continue to have access to the care they need. Breast cancer awareness must be about more than sporting pink ribbons. It must be about making sure all women have access to the health coverage and care they need and ensuring resources are directed toward identifying and developing treatments that will save lives and finally cure this terrible disease.”

Mobile Mammography Promotion Act Introduced in the House

Source: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)



Washington, D.C. - October 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced legislation that would allow mobile mammography units to purchase fuel without the federal excise tax.

Luetkemeyer’s legislation, the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act, would increase access to breast cancer screening by providing relief from the federal fuel excise tax for “mammovans.” Mammovans are vehicles designed exclusively to travel to underserved, and often rural, areas to provide mammograms and other services that help detect and treat the medical challenges facing many individuals.

“The majority of us have a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, or a friend who has fought breast cancer,” Luetkemeyer said. “ We must ensure regular mammography screenings are available to all Americans regardless of location because early detection and treatment is critical to defeating breast cancer.”

Luetkemeyer has introduced the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act in previous congresses. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced this legislation in the Senate.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ ON BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement to mark October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

"As we mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we take time to celebrate and remember the millions of individuals and families who have been impacted by this terrible disease.

My family and I are now nearly a decade removed from the day my doctor gave me news I never expected to hear. As a breast cancer survivor, I consider it my responsibility to share my story. As a legislator and Member of the Appropriations Committee, I consider it my obligation to help make lifesaving resources and information available to those battling this disease.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am especially proud that Congress took action this year to extend, until 2019, the PALS Act I introduced to help ensure young women have access to mammograms at age 40. As someone who was diagnosed at just 41 years old, I know how critical it is that women have the information and tools necessary to make decisions about their breast health."