Good news from Washington! Even though the federal budget is very tight, Congress increased funding for breast cancer screening even while other important programs were being cut. In the recently completed FY 2005 appropriations process, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) funding was increased by $9 million. Congress also provided some increased funding for cancer research.

According to the Komen Foundation, "The NBCCEDP provides breast cancer screening, outreach and case management services for women with little or no health insurance. Since the establishment of the program in 1991, it has screened nearly 2 million women. While there is no known way to prevent breast cancer, early detection is critical, providing a greater chance of survival and more treatment options. When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 95 percent. Timely screening mammograms could prevent more than 15 percent of all deaths from breast cancer in women over age 40."

If you would like to join me in thanking our congressional representatives, just click here. The Komen Foundation has done a great job of creating a form where you just fill in the blanks and click. It couldn't be easier.