Crapo, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Reauthorize Breast Cancer Awareness Funding

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) have introduced legislation to reauthorize and increase funding for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act.  The earlier cancer cases are identified, the better the chance of surviving this often deadly disease.  The key to early detection and treatment lies in education, advocacy and research.  The EARLY Act, which first became law in 2010, empowers young and high-risk women to understand their bodies and advocate for their health.  This bill would reauthorize the programs established under the EARLY Act for another five years at the original enacted level of $9 million per year to increase the reach of the education campaign. 

“I know firsthand the need for early screenings and warnings about the health threat of cancer,” said Crapo.  “The Centers for Disease Control should be able to provide educational materials about the importance of early detection that could save many Americans from breast cancer. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation.” 

“We’ve come so far in the fight against breast cancer, but there is more we can do to ensure that all women—and especially young and high-risk women—have the information and support they need to protect themselves from this deadly disease,” said Klobuchar.  “Our bipartisan bill will help to elevate breast cancer awareness and support critical research so that one day, we can finally eradicate breast cancer.” 

The EARLY Act is endorsed by Breast Friends, Bright Pink, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, National Hispanic Medical Association, Oncology Nursing Society, and Susan G. Komen. 

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