As you know, breast and cervical cancer is killing too many of our wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. Currently, the early detection screening program does not provide treatment for women who discover they have cancer as a result of that screening. This screening must be coupled with treatment in order to save lives. Cancer is often fatal and the women who are tested can't afford critical treatment without help. These women face numerous difficulties in trying to obtain and pay for treatment for cancer.
Resources are limited and yet the numbers of women being diagnosed are increasing.
Today, we have an opportunity to do something about this devastating disease by allowing states to expand Medicaid coverage to these women. Follow-up and treatment are the key to saving lives. The fight against cancer transcends party lines and partisan bickering. So today, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in the fight against breast and cervical cancer. We must act now.