BREAST CANCER

WHEREAS, according to the National Cancer Institute's 1993 Surveillance Program figures, one out of eight American women will develop breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, breast cancer usually strikes women over the age of 30, with incidence sharply increasing in those who are in their 40s or 50s, approaching or just past menopause; and

WHEREAS, the "baby boom" generation is now entering middle age, and millions of women are reaching this vulnerable period in their lives; and

WHEREAS, the cause and cure of breast cancer is still unknown, and only continuous extensive medical research will bring this disease under control; and

WHEREAS, the cost of health care in the United States is prohibitive for many, and, as a result, millions of women cannot afford preventive diagnostic tests, including mammography:

RESOLVED, that the AFT urge Congress to mandate that mammography and related breast cancer screening remain an integral part of any health care reform legislation passed; and

RESOLVED, that Congress appropriate adequate funding immediately to guarantee mammography and other breast cancer screening for those who are uninsured or otherwise unable to afford this; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT and its affiliates actively work toward the promotion of public education programs for breast cancer awareness, self-examination and the importance of early diagnosis; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT and its affiliates work toward the appropriation of adequate funding for continued research devoted to finding the cause and cure of the deadly disease.