This year, more than 230,000 American women will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer declined from 1999 to 2005, but has remained relatively stable since then.
"Several close friends, including two sisters in one family, have battled breast cancer, and I have been humbled to walk with them on this difficult medical and faith journey," said Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09). "As a husband and father of three daughters, I know this terrible disease could strike even closer to home, and I am committed to funding research, raising awareness, and providing resources to patients and their families."
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Congressman Pittenger has co-sponsored two bills in the fight against breast cancer:
The Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act (H.R. 1830) would create a public-private commission to identify new opportunities, programs, and partnerships to end breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (H.R. 1984) would empower patients to make better care choices by providing education on services and options to help resume normal life after treatment.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States, after lung cancer. Almost 40,000 women will die of the disease this year.