Apr 12, 2009 10:39 am US/Eastern
Researcher Downplays Congresswoman's Cancer Bill
Click Here to read Wasserman Schultz's statement
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
A noted researcher is down playing U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz's call for an education campaign and new legislation to alert young women about breast cancer and breast health.
Last month the South Florida Congresswoman revealed her own battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in December 2007 Wasserman Schultz, 42, underwent seven major surgeries, including a double mastectomy, in the last year.
Wasserman Schultz is now calling 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 in a news conference in Washington when she introduced the bill. "The Early Act is designed to empower young woman, learn the facts, know their bodies, speak up for their health and embrace support."
Click Here to read Wasserman Schultz's statement.
According to statistics 75 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer year, had no family history of the disease.
But some cancer researchers and advocates say while Wasserman Schultz's actions are well intentioned, they tend to miss the mark,
Donald Berry with the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center says breast cancer is very rare for women under 40 and the bill's emphasis on self-examinations is misplaced because all young women have bumps in their breasts.
Besides quitting smoking, Berry says there is very little a young woman can do to cut her risk. He believes the legislation will cause fear and unneeded biopsies.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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