U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack
Iowa’s Second Congressional District
Far too many Americans have been touched by breast cancer. This year there will be approximately 231,840 new cases of breast cancer among American women and 2,350 new cases among men. Approximately 40,290 women and 440 men will die from the disease in 2015.
Despite these troubling statistics, there is hope. Early screening and detection dramatically improve the chances that breast cancer can be successfully treated. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), most women between 50 and 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. For women between 40 and 49 years old, or for women with a higher risk of breast cancer, the CDC recommends asking your doctor about when and how frequently you should have screening mammograms. To find a mammography facility near you, click here. Additionally, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, including avoiding exposure to carcinogens, limiting alcohol use, and exercising regularly.
As a member of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and the House Cancer Caucus, I firmly believe it is vital that all Iowans have access to life-saving preventative measures. I am a proud cosponsor of the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (H.R. 2540), which ensures that breast cancer patients have all the information about their options, and the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act (H.R. 1197), which would develop a plan to eliminate breast cancer by 2020. I will also continue to fight for vital research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find a cure for this terrible disease.
This month, let’s save lives by raising awareness about early detection and prevention.
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