Apr 13, 2009 11:18 pm US/Eastern
Congresswoman's Breast Cancer Bill Gets Criticized
Fla. Congresswoman "Disappointed" Over Breast Cancer Bill Criticism
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz talks about the importance of the EARLY Act at Memorial Regional South hospital in Pembroke Pines.
CBS
Less than a month ago South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz went public with her battle with breast cancer; she endured numerous surgeries and a double mastectomy.
Her experience inspired her to propose legislation called the Early Act, which would increase education about breast cancer for women under 40 and support for those affected. The bill would provide $45 million dollars in funding over 5 years.
Some in the cancer research field, however, have begun going public with their criticism of the bill. Their criticisms are threefold:
1). The bill would cause young women – who are at a lower risk for breast cancer – undue concern if they find a lump. In many cases, doctors and researchers say, younger women often find lumps that are not cancerous.
2). The bill could lead to increased biopsies and expensive treatment the women do not need.
3). Several researchers also say there are few known steps to tell young women about ways to reduce cancer risk.
"The main problem is over diagnosis and over treatment," said researcher Donald Berry, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. "And any time you're looking for something you increase the probability of finding it."
However, two South Florida doctors, who specialize in breast cancer, say if done properly Wasserman-Schultz's bill will benefit all women.
"Knowledge may cause a little fear, but I don't think it's dangerous," said Dr. Nilza Kallos, who operates a South Miami breast cancer center. "I think education only can help."
Dr. Kallos agreed that breast cancer is rare in women in under 40, however, she has seen it and said in most cases the cancer is even more aggressive. Dr. Kallos treated a 22-year-old woman who underwent several surgeries and the cancer took her life at age 28.
Dr. Stefan Gluck, of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, said it's a fine line between striking fear in young women and educating them.
"I think (the proposed bill) may be controversial if not done right," Dr. Gluck said. "It is important that there is some kind of awareness without frightening women."
Dr. Gluck said there are several recommendations for young women who may be at risk for breast cancer. Dr. Gluck recommends patients watch their diet, exercise and maintain a healthy vitamin D level.
Wasserman Schultz told CBS 4's Carey Codd she's "disappointed" by the criticism.
"What we want to make sure we do is not alarm people, not scare them. We're not proposing mammograms for women younger than 40," said Wasserman Schultz. "What we're proposing is education and awareness."
Wasserman Schultz said the proposed bill would empower the Centers for Disease Control and cancer experts to develop the educational program. The Congresswoman also said although the number of women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer each year is small—about 5%--she said those women need greater understanding of the disease.
"That's still about 10,000-11,000 young women every year," she said. "Should we be writing off 10,000-11,000 young women just because a couple of researchers think we don't know what to tell them? I don't think so. I wouldn't be here if that was the case."
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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