Senators Feinstein and Hutchison Introduce Measure to Extend Breast Cancer Research Stamp

Senators Feinstein and Hutchison Introduce Measure to Extend Breast Cancer Research Stamp

July 26, 2001

- On the Stamp's 3^rd Anniversary, legislation has 71 cosponsors in the Senate -

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today introduced legislation to extend the life of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp which has raised over $21 million for an additional six years.

"Virtually everywhere I travel, people tell me they buy these beautiful stamps in the hopes of helping to find a cure for breast cancer," Senator Feinstein said. "As we celebrate the third anniversary of its introduction, this stamp has raised $21.1 million dollars for research as over 300 million stamps have been purchased -- that's more than one for every American."

"The millions in additional funds raised by the breast cancer research stamp have been instrumental in the battle against this terrible disease," Senator Hutchison said. "Each time this stamp is used, we send a clear message that by working together we can make a difference in the war against breast cancer."

The National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense have used these funds to support novel and innovative research in the area of breast cancer. According to Dr. Richard Klausner, Director of the National Cancer Institute, these awards benefit "over a dozen critical areas of breast cancer research."

Today, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer among woman. In 2001, approximately 192,200 woman will get breast cancer and 40,200 women will die from the disease. Approximately three million women in the U.S. are living with breast cancer, yet one million remain unaware of their condition.

Last year, the General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report showing that the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been a success and an effective fund-raiser in the effort to boost funds to fight the disease. The General Accounting Office said in the report, "On the basis of the collective results of all the measures we used to evaluate effectiveness, we believe the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been an effective fund-raiser." The report also goes on to assert that "the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been successful."

"I would especially like to thank all the Breast Cancer research advocates who have fought so tirelessly for this stamp, especially Dr. Ernie Bodai and Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer, who has been an indefatigable advocate on behalf of this important stamp," said Feinstein.

Since first going on sale in August 1998, 305 million Breast Cancer Research stamps have been sold.

The legislation, which has 71 cosponsors in the Senate, is supported by numerous organizations, including: the American Cancer Society; American Medical Association; American Association of Health Plans; Breast Cancer Fund; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; American Cancer League; American College of Surgeons; American College of Radiology; Community Breast Health Project; California Nurses Association; CureBreast Cancer Inc.; Emergency Nurses Association; Friends of Cancer Research; National Association for Women's Health; Women's Information Network - Against Breast Cancer (WINABC); Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

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