HR0772 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0772 LRB096 15955 GRL 31200 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, According to estimates released by the American Cancer Society in 2009, 192,370 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, of which 40,170 will die; and

WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; if breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages, women have more treatment options and a 96% survival rate; and

WHEREAS, In Illinois, partial or total costs of mammograms are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans; and

WHEREAS, Women in their forties account for more than a quarter of breast cancer diagnoses and are more prone to aggressive cancers that are resistant to treatment; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly has recognized the benefits of early detection of breast cancer and has passed legislation expanding access to mammograms for all women in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Since 1995, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer program has provided free screening and treatment for uninsured women living in Illinois; through this program, over 66,000 women have been screened for breast and cervical cancer; and

WHEREAS, In November of 2009, a report issued by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force contradicted the American Cancer Society's recommendations for breast cancer screening by recommending that women have mammogram screenings every two years starting at age 50; and

WHEREAS, The contradiction between the American Cancer Society recommendations for early detection of breast cancer and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force's findings and recommendations has caused confusion and concern among women and the health care industry; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius officially responded to the recommendations made by the U.S. Prevention Services Task Force by stating that women should continue getting mammograms starting at age 40; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we state our belief that breast cancer is a serious health problem facing adult women and that mammography is part of the solution beginning at age 40; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage all women to consult with their health care providers about the benefits of early detection of breast cancer; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Illinois Department of Public Health to continue and expand its efforts to promote awareness that early screenings for breast cancer and continue promoting breast cancer screening based on recommendations that are consistent with those of the American Cancer Society; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Governor and the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.