Washington, DC – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, members of Congress stood on the steps of the Capitol during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of a disease that impacts too many Americans.

Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Susan Brooks (R-IN), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, and Representatives Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) and Mimi Walters (R-CA), vice chairs, provided the following statements:

“My mother, at age 91, is a twenty-year breast cancer survivor and an inspiring example of how to live a full life after diagnosis,” said Frankel. “We must keep the excellent progress in research going forward.”

“There’s no way to predict if and when a woman will find cancerous cells in her breast; she could be 20, 30, 40, or 50 years old,” said Brooks. “We do know that screening saves lives, and that early detection and diagnosis helps women beat breast cancer. The Indiana State Department of Health reports that in Indiana alone, there are 4,400 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year. That is 4,400 too many, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to increase awareness of a disease that has no bounds and impacts our friends and families in Indiana and across the country.”

“Breast cancer awareness is important to me because early detection and education for self-examinations saves lives,” said Lawrence. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember that we are in this together; and hope is always stronger than fear.”

“Breast Cancer doesn't discriminate,” said Walters. “It doesn't care who you are or to which party you belong. I am honored to join my Women's Caucus colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, to raise awareness for breast cancer and the steps women can take to detect the disease early."

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), a breast cancer survivor, issued the following statement:

“My family and I are now nearly a decade removed from the day my doctor gave me news I never expected to hear,” said Wasserman Schultz. “As a breast cancer survivor, I consider it my responsibility to share my story. As a legislator and Member of the Appropriations Committee, I consider it my obligation to help make lifesaving resources and information available to those battling this disease. This month is important to me because as someone who was diagnosed at just 41 years old, I know how critical it is that women have the information and tools necessary to make decisions about their breast health, because early detection is the key to survival. I’m living proof.”

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