Harry Reid: “as we pause to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to focus on the need to study the causes of this…”

“as we pause to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to focus on the need to study the causes of this frightening disease, including the possible link between breast cancer and the environment. Women diagnosed with breast cancer inevitably all ask the same question: Why me? The unfortunate truth in all too many instances is, we don't know. Less than 30 percent of breast cancers are explained by known risk factors. We don't know if the environment plays a role in the development of breast cancer. Studies have explored the effect of isolated environmental factors such as diet, pesticides, and even electromagnetic fields. In most cases, the results have been inconclusive. Furthermore, there are many other factors that are suspected to play a role that have yet to be studied. We must find answers. While there is much we don't know, it is clear that a better understanding of the role the environment plays in the development of breast cancer could help to improve our understanding of the causes of breast cancer and could lead to prevention strategies. For several years now, I have worked to pass bipartisan legislation, The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act, which would give scientists the tools they need to better understand any link between breast cancer and the environment.…”