Mar 23, 2009 7:43 pm US/Eastern
Wasserman-Schultz Pitches Breast Health Bill
Click Here to read Wasserman Schultz's statement
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
"I didn't find a tumor early because of luck, said teary eyed Florida U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, who shared her yearlong battle with breast cancer Monday. Now with a clean bill of health, after several surgeries and a double mastectomy, she's fighting to help educate women about the disease and the risks.
Surrounded by other breast cancer survivors on Capitol Hill, she called for a national education campaign and legislation called the Early Act.
"This bill gives all young women the tools they need to take control of their risks, teaching awareness of their personal risk and what they can do to manage those risks. At the end of the day, the old saying rings true, knowledge is power" said Wasserman-Schultz.
Kathryn Becker has been in Congressman Wasserman-Schultz's shoes more than once. She told
CBS4 reporter Gwen Belton that has been battling recurring breast cancer for 11 years.
Her story brings tears as well, but not because she feels sorry for herself. She's just grateful for the love and support from family and friends. Becker believes what Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz is doing will save lives. "Definitely now, Wasserman-Schultz, now that she's talking about talking to younger women, it's truly about education, we feed off education," she said.
According to statistics 75 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer year, had no family history of the disease. Becker says it is essential that women especially young women educate themselves and get tested.
"The Early Act is designed to empower young woman, learn the facts, know their bodies, speak up for their health and embrace support", say Wasserman-Schultz.
Becker mentors young women, in whom breast cancer tends to be more aggressive. She said had she been more educated about the disease when she was younger, maybe, she could have caught it sooner. "I didn't do a breast self-exam, I didn't know. No one talked to me; I was 32."
"It is my hope that by sharing my story we will pass the Breast Cancer and Awareness required Learning Act of 2009 into law" says Wasserman-Schultz.
Knowledge about breast cancer, the risks and access to healthcare helped Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz catch her disease in time. But thousands of women aren't so lucky, and she wants to make sure that through education and resources, all women have a fighting chance.
Click Here to read Wasserman-Schultz's statement.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
Police: Youth Minister Molested Teen
Click to enlarge
I-Team: Tracking The Florida Stimulus Money Trail 
Kennedy: I'm Barred From Communion Due To Abortion 1 hr 2 mins ago
Stumble It!
Reporting
