James Maloney: “As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I rise to reflect on those loved ones we have lost to breast cancer and to…”

“As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I rise to reflect on those loved ones we have lost to breast cancer and to offer my support to those who are struggling with the disease. I also rise to strongly urge an important legislative response to this killer disease. Whether we are aware of it or not, all of us know at least one person who has been affected by breast cancer. The prevalence of this disease is underscored by some truly alarming statistics. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States. And as was mentioned a minute ago, one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime. In my home State of Connecticut alone, 2,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and approximately 480 women, unfortunately, will succumb to this illness. Finding a way to eradicate breast cancer must be a national priority. It is imperative that the public and private sectors continue to devote sufficient resources for research activities aimed at finding a cure.”