Dr. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society, testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee on the importance of education and awareness in the fight to defeat breast cancer. The hearing focused on legislation related to improving breast cancer early detection, research, treatment, and quality of care. Introduced by Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Myrick in the House and Sens. Klobuchar and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) in the Senate, the EARLY Act (H.R. 1740 and S. 994) would help young women understand the importance of breast health and the risks associated with breast cancer. As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month, it is important to remember that many women lack access to adequate health coverage which provides life saving breast cancer detection services, Brawley said during his testimony. If every woman in the United States had access to accurate information about breast cancer, early detection and quality treatment, more women would survive the disease. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in collaboration with the Society, is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive access to the full continuum of care. Health care reform legislation should include measures that promote prevention and wellness and ensure quality of life throughout disease-directed treatment and continuing into survivorship and through the end of life. Additionally, Dan Smith, president of ACS CAN, joined Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, Senator Klobuchar, and Congresswoman Myrick at a press event today in support of the EARLY Act. The EARLY Act would make significant improvements in public awareness of breast cancer and its risks, establishing a national public education campaign at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It would also take important steps to educate health care professionals about breast cancer, invest in breast cancer research, and strengthen the support services available to women of all ages who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Click here for a copy of Dr. Otis Brawley's full testimony.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.