November 27, 2009-(Washington, DC) -- The Fight Pink Alliance applauds Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as she continues to fight for the legislation to highlight the breast cancer risks in young women under the age of 40. With recent Task force Guidelines highlighting that women (not in the high risk category) “should”  begin regular mammography at the age of 50, only further brings this legislation into light the of importance of Early Awareness.  At a press conference in the Capitol building, in early March, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) was joined by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN), to announce legislation they will introduce to highlight the breast cancer risks facing young women under the age of 40 to empower these women with the tools they need to prevent and fight this deadly disease. They were joined by Rep. Melissa Bean (IL-8) as well as local cancer survivor Maimah Karmo, Executive Director of the Tigerlily Foundation, and Dr. Sandra Swain the medical director of the Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center. The introduction of the legislation followed the announcement this past weekend by Rep. Wasserman Schultz that she successfully battled breast cancer last year after finding a lump during a routine self-examination.

“I found my cancer early because of knowledge and awareness,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck because their survival depends on it.”

H.R. 1740 The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act) directs the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a national education campaign to increase awareness of the threats posed by breast cancer in young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and the particular heightened risks faced by certain groups. The campaign will help young women and providers identify the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer that lead to early diagnoses, and prevention efforts women can undertake to reduce their risks.

“Debbie’s courage and strength is an inspiration to us all,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Breast cancer is a leading cause of death for women. We need to make sure that women, especially young women, have access to the best information and the best support possible to protect themselves against this killer.

Because young women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer face unique challenges related to their fertility and social life, the legislation provides assistance to organizations to support young women diagnosed with breast cancer and help them get the assistance they need, including social and psychological support, fertility counseling and recurrence prevention training”

“We need to do a better job reaching young women who are at particular risk of breast cancer, and giving those who are diagnosed the tools to deal with the disease and its impact on their lives,” said Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-9), the Republican co-sponsor of the House legislation. “Breast cancer is often more aggressive in younger women, and it’s critical that doctors and patients know what to look for. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was fortunate to have caught it early. I’m hopeful that, with the help of this kind of awareness effort, more women will have the same opportunity.”

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40. Each year more than 10,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer and for more than 1,000 of these women, the disease is fatal. However, many younger women mistakenly think that breast cancer is just something that happens to older women. Diagnoses are delayed because younger women and health providers alike may lack the knowledge to be more proactive in the fight against this disease and because breast cancer in younger women is often more aggressive, delays can have serious and deadly consequences.

“It’s important for all woman to educate themselves about breast cancer, and for younger women to determine their exact risks,” said Dr. Swain, “Younger women with a family history of breast cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage should discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing and potential screening options with their doctors.”

“It is critical that we support the EARLY Act and get this legislation passed,” said Ms. Karmo. “There are over a quarter million women living in the United States today who are diagnosed with breast cancer under 40. These women are not just statistics, they’re heart beats. They need education, they need to be aware, and they need hands on support.”

“We don’t want to alarm people, but we can and we must reduce the number of young women dying from breast cancer. We can do that by passing this legislation and educating young women and providers of the risks,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

WHAT IS THE EARLY ACT?

Authored by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), “Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009’’ or ‘‘EARLY Act”. would direct the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a national education campaign about the threat breast cancer poses to young adult women. The EARLY ACT would also create a national education campaign for healthcare professionals and create materials to help patients address long-term effects and challenges associated with breast cancer.

Click here to Learn more about the EARLY ACT.

The EARLY Act will address these specific issues by:

* A national public awareness and education initiative targeting young women, especially those in at-risk populations;
* Health provider education to ensure health care professionals understand the risks facing young women and the specific concerns of young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; and
* Grant funding for support and assistance programs for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

As the legislation works its way through our political system Fight Pink will Update you on its progress. Please follow the progress of this bill by visiting the Govtrak.us website.

To see the Complete bill click on this link.

The bill has been referred to the following committees:

House Energy and Commerce – This committee has 59 members please contact your member of Congress to make sure they vote YES on H.R. 1740 Breast Cancer Education And Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act.

The Fight Pink Alliance Applauds Senator Wasserman-Schultz and the YSC for their efforts and support for the H.R. 1740 Breast Cancer Education And Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act.