Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated annually throughout the month of October:
“I’m proud to join my colleagues, health professionals, and millions of concerned Americans in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. It can strike anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or economic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 245,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. I am proud to express my strong support for those engaged in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, which remains the most common cancer among women in our country.
“I am a longtime advocate for breast cancer awareness, research, and care. In 1978, as a member of the California State Assembly, I introduced and secured the passage of the nation’s first law, AB 3548, that required insurance companies to cover reconstructive surgery or prosthetic devices for women who have undergone mastectomies. Since that time, I have continued to be a vocal advocate for quality and affordable healthcare services that prevent and detect breast cancer before it spreads or becomes deadly.
“As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, I encourage all women and men to make sure you are aware of breast cancer risk factors, doing monthly breast self-exams, and getting regular mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. We should take the time and focus on prevention and early detection for breast cancer not only in October, but every month of the year. Together, we can all help do our part in reducing the incidence of breast cancer by speaking with family members, friends, and loved ones about risk factors, education and prevention.”
