Gus Bilirakis: “Mr. Speaker, without question the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 has been an overwhelming success. In May my…”

“Mr. Speaker, without question the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 has been an overwhelming success. In May my Subcommittee on Health and Environment heard extensive testimony regarding the Act from program experts and patient groups. Officials from the General Accounting Office reported that the Act has increased mammography facilities' adherence to acceptable quality assurance standards, thus improving mammography services. Before it took effect, 11 percent of facilities tested were unable to pass image quality tests, and now the nationwide figure is 2 percent. Screening mammography is currently the most effective technique for early detection of breast cancer. This procedure can identify small tumors and breast abnormalities up to two years before they can be detected by touch. More than 90 percent of these early stage cancers can be cured, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Today, the House is considering legislation to reauthorize this most important act.”