Susan G. Komen® Applauds Reauthorization of the Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY)

WASHINGTON--()--Susan G. Komen today applauds the reauthorization of the Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or EARLY Act. The Act’s passage will allow for the continuation of breast health education and awareness campaigns aimed towards young and high-risk women for five more years.

Introduced for reauthorization earlier this year in the House by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Renee Ellmers (R-NC), the bill ensures funding for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue its successful breast health and awareness programs. The bill passed the House last week and passed the Senate yesterday under the leadership of Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and David Vitter (R-LA). The bill now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature before it becomes law.

“The EARLY Act plays a vital role in providing education programs to young women to ensure they are informed and empowered about their personal health,” said Judith A. Salerno, M.D., M.S. “Susan G. Komen is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Renee Ellmers and Senators Amy Klobuchar and David Vitter for their bipartisan support in the reauthorization of this vital legislation.”

Originally signed into law in 2010, the EARLY Act has allowed for the CDC to identify gaps in education between young women and their health providers, provide grants to local breast cancer organizations that work in assisting young women and create campaigns to raise awareness that breast cancer is a disease that knows no age limits.

Eleven percent of breast cancers occur in women under age 45 and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 20 to 59.

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $847 million in research and provided $1.8 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/susangkomen and Twitter @SusanGKomen.

Contacts

Susan G. Komen®
Kiki Burger, 972-855-4382
kburger@komen.org

Release Summary

Susan G. Komen today applauds the reauthorization of the Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or EARLY Act.

Contacts

Susan G. Komen®
Kiki Burger, 972-855-4382
kburger@komen.org