Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz Introduces EARLY Act
The Education And Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act) To Address Breast Cancer Risks Facing Young Women Under 40
FORT LAUDERDALE, March 23, 2009 - PRESS RELEASE
Infrared Medical Solutions commend Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for introducing legislation that addresses the breast cancer risks facing young women under 40.
The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act) directs the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a national education campaign to increase awareness of the threats posed by breast cancer in young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and the particular heightened risks faced by certain groups. The campaign will help young women and providers identify the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer that lead to early diagnoses, and prevention efforts women can undertake to reduce their risks.
"We are excited that Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have joined together in introducing this legislation that will benefit all women, especially young women," said Annette Johnson, President of Infrared Medical Solutions. "We have always believed that women need to be empowered to take control of their breast health and education on the risks of having breast cancer and the role that early detection plays in better outcomes is critical."
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40. Each year more than 10,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer and for more than 1,000 of these women, the disease is fatal. However, many younger women mistakenly think that breast cancer is just something that happens to older women. Diagnoses are delayed because younger women and health providers alike may lack the knowledge to be more proactive in the fight against this disease and because breast cancer in younger women is often more aggressive, delays can have serious and deadly consequences.
The impetus for this legislation was the diagnosis of Wasserman Schultz with Breast Cancer at 41 years of age back in 2007 even though she was cleared via a mammogram prior to her diagnosis. She has since undergone seven major surgeries, including an elective double mastectomy and removal of her ovaries after testing positive for a genetic marker (BRCA2) that suggests a greater susceptibility for breast and ovarian cancers.
Infrared Medical Solutions
Infrared Medical Solutions' mission is to provide a complete infrared breast screening solution, advocate the science of Infrared Mammography to insurers, healthcare providers and the general public, and to advancing the body of scientific knowledge for Infrared Mammography.
Infrared Mammography offers the earliest detection of breast cancer possible, up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography, without painful compression or use of ionizing radiation making it ideal for women of all ages.
For more information about Infrared Medical Systems, please contact Chris Whidden at (707) 799-7770 or visit our website, www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com.
