Stamp Out Breast Cancer
October 16, 2007, Last year in Tennessee, 4,400 women experienced a life-changing moment when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making this an appropriate time to consider the importance of breast cancer research, education and treatment for these women and their families.
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among American women; sadly, it remains one of the top ten causes of death for women across the country. While the statistics seem overwhelming, there is hope. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report an overall decline in the incidents of the disease. This is due, in part, to research and medical advancements.
One simple way for each one of us to help eliminate breast cancer is to purchase the breast cancer awareness stamp from the United States Post Office. Bearing the motto “Fund the Fight. Find a Cure,” the stamp serves not only as a valuable fundraising tool for researchers, but also as an important symbol of our commitment to overcoming this disease. The proceeds from the sale of the stamp aid the fight against breast cancer.
The stamp has raised more than $58 million for breast cancer research since it was first introduced in 1998. Seventy percent of the funds raised from the stamp benefits the National Institutes of Health, and 30 percent is given to the Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense.
On October 10, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee approved legislation to reauthorize the stamp through 2011. The bill continues support for those at the forefront of this fight by extending the ability of United States Post Offices to issue a first-class stamp specifically for generating money for breast cancer research.
As a member of the committee, I have supported this effort and legislation to authorize funding for the National Institute of Environmental Health to research links between breast cancer and the environment. We are also working to ensure that no woman is genetically discriminated against by an insurer or employer. Through these and other efforts, I will continue fighting for breast cancer research, screening and treatment.
Breast cancer awareness and women’s health issues are important to me because of the three women in my life – my mother, my wife and my six-year-old daughter. For all our mothers, daughters, wives and sisters, we should work together to fund this fight and find a cure.
