This October, designated as “breast cancer awareness month,” and every month that follows, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) urges Congress to commit to putting substance before symbol. This month must be more than just telling constituents that you are committed to ending breast cancer, but rather about passing legislation that would move us forward to achieve that goal.
Individuals die of breast cancer every day. We don’t need a month to remind us of that. Individuals don’t die from primary breast cancer; most die when the disease metastasizes.
Nearly 50 years and billions of dollars have not ended breast cancer. While over time, an industry has grown that thrives on raising awareness (as well as producing drugs, screening devices, and tests), the number of individuals being diagnosed with breast cancer and dying from the disease has not changed significantly.
This October, NBCC calls for action, not awareness. What does that mean? One concrete action is to cosponsor the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2178/S.1374.) We need action to end breast cancer every day, not just during October. We urge Congress to spare us the proclamations and pink ribbons and show us action.
Breast cancer kills about 42,000 women and 520 men in the United States each year. Awareness alone won’t save them. But knowing what causes breast cancer, how to prevent it, and how to treat it more effectively can. That is what the National Breast Cancer Coalition is fighting for, and we urge you to join our mission by supporting our action-oriented agenda.
