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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Praises Senate for Including Breast Cancer Provisions in Health Reform Legislation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz recently praised Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for including breast cancer provisions in sweeping health insurance reform legislation. The EARLY Act, which aims to educate young women about breast health and detect breast cancer early, was included in the Manager's Amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The legislation has the support of over 40 advocacy organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance. Rep. Wasserman Schultz personally met with Senator Reid to discuss the importance of including the EARLY Act in the Senate health reform bill.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EARLY Act directs the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a national education campaign to increase awareness of breast health, family history, and the threats posed by breast cancer in young women.
  • The legislation has the support of more than 40 advocacy organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance.
  • Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 20 to 45, with more than 25,000 new cases expected in women younger than 45 in 2009 alone.
  • The EARLY Act aims to ensure that all young women have the tools and resources they need to practice good breast health and detect breast cancer early.
  • Rep. Wasserman Schultz personally met with Senator Harry Reid to discuss the importance of including the EARLY Act in the Senate health reform bill.
  • Sen. Reid shares Rep. Wasserman Schultz's concerns about young women's lack of knowledge and awareness about their breast health.
  • The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes provisions to save lives, save money, and save Medicare.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 advocacy organizations support the EARLY Act, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance.
  • More than 25,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in women younger than 45 in 2009 alone.
  • Approximately eight young women will die from breast cancer each day in the United States.
  • Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 20 to 45.

Sources:

  • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, "Praise for Senate Inclusion of Breast Cancer Provisions in Health Reform Legislation" (via Release by the Office of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
  • American Cancer Society, "Cancer Facts & Statistics 2009"
  • American Cancer Society, "Overview: Cancer at a Glance"
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance, "Supporting Advocacy for Breast Cancer Awareness and Education"

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