Thanks to all of you for coming this morning. Over 2.6 million American women are currently living with breast cancer. More than 180,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 alone.
Today is National Mammography Day.
I am pleased to join in the campaign to focus attention on the fact that early detection of breast cancer means a better choice of treatment options and greater likelihood of survival. I also want to take this occasion to raise public awareness about important legislation that addresses issues critical to women s health and the rights of cancer patients and survivors. First, I would like to introduce the people who have joined me this morning for this important briefing. Finally, I want to introduce two remarkable women, Amanda Rowe of Portland and Laurel Bezanson of South Portland, and ask them each to say a few words. They have generously agreed to share their personal experiences as breast cancer survivors.