Wasserman Schultz Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 2013

WASHINGTON – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement:

“Starting today, all Americans now have access to quality, affordable health care and health insurance coverage with the opening of the insurance marketplaces, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

“Today also marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of a disease that knows no boundaries, striking women from all backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, the rich and the poor, the old and the young.

“In the United States, women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, and a 1 in 35 chance that the disease will take their life. We have renewed hope for improving survival rates as we conduct new research and discover new treatments. We must work together to help educate more women about the importance of knowing their bodies and understanding how early detection could save their lives.

“As one of the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in our country today, I wanted to use my own experiences with breast cancer to help other young women deal with the pain and difficulty of diagnosis and treatment. That’s why I introduced the Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2010 – or the EARLY Act – which helps young women learn more about their bodies and their risks. The law works to educate young women and certain groups, such as African American women and Jewish women of Eastern European descent, who are disproportionately at risk for breast cancer at a young age.

“That is why the Affordable Care Act is so important. It has eliminated disparities by driving down the cost of health care and extending coverage to millions of uninsured or under-insured Americans. This comprehensive law puts an emphasis on prevention and wellness, so that medical professionals can turn our nation’s sick care system into a true health care system.

“Together, we can save more of our moms, sisters, grandmothers, daughters and sister-friends. So please, help us get a head start by talking to the women in your life today. We must give more women the power to stand up, the power to speak up and the power to survive.”