Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation
to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for 4 more years.
Without Congressional action, this important and effective way of
raising additional funds for critical research will expire at the end
of this year. These stamps are sold for a little more than the cost of
first class postage, so customers can choose to donate in a simple and
easy way.
Since 1998, more than 986 million breast cancer research stamps have
been sold, raising over $80.4 million for breast cancer research. The
funds have gone to support breast cancer research at both the National
Institutes of Health, NIH, and the Department of Defense.
For example, the National Institutes of Health has used proceeds from
the Breast Cancer Research Stamp to fund the Maternal Pregnancy Factors
and Breast Cancer Risk Study. This study was designed to identify
possible connections between various conditions during pregnancy and
breast cancer risk. After comparing information from women who
delivered babies and were later diagnosed with breast cancer to women
who delivered babies and were not diagnosed with breast cancer,
researchers found that factors like preeclampsia or carrying twins may
increase cancer risk. Knowing these risk factors helps both doctors and
patients be vigilant about early screening.
Thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research, more and more breast
cancer patients are becoming survivors. Nearly all patients with breast
cancer caught in the early stages now survive. That is incredible, and
a testament to how important this research has been.
Though despite our great successes, the need for continued research
and improved screening and treatments remains high.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in
the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. One in eight
women will be diagnosed, and more than 40,000 die from the disease each
year.
Though male breast cancer is less common, an estimated 2,350 men will
be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
The Breast Cancer Research Stamp provides a simple, convenient way
for Americans to contribute toward this vitally important research. It
also provides a symbol of hope for those affected by this disease.
I thank Senator Enzi for joining me to support this bipartisan
legislation and urge my colleagues to join us and ensure the stamp
continues for another 4 years.
This bill is supported by organizations including: the American
Association of Cancer Research, AACR, American Cancer Society Cancer
Action Network, ACS CAN, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
ACOG, American College of Surgeons, Are You Defense Advocacy, Breast
Cancer Fund, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Center for Women Policy
Studies, Susan G. Komen, and the Tigerlily Foundation.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue.