In 1999, approximately 180,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, and over 11,000 were in Texas. In the same year, almost 50,000 women died from breast cancer in the United States, including nearly 3,000 Texans. In Congress, we are doing our part to combat this disease by providing more resources for research into causes and cures for breast cancer as well as aggressive early detection services and treatment for all women regardless of race or income. This program focuses on developing innovative and cost-saving research strategies that have attracted new and talented scientists to the field of breast cancer research. This alternative stream of funding has been invaluable in offering us new insight into the biology of breast cancer and bringing us closer to ultimately finding a cure.
Research is only half the battle with breast cancer.
Survival is only possible with early detection through mammograms, routine check-ups, and treatment. Unfortunately, many women suffer unnecessarily because of the lack of services and treatment available. This week in Congress, I voted for HR 4386, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act. Early Detection program. The treatment provided in this legislation is critical since the women who have cancers detected through this program often have no other means of receiving services.