THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY FARNESE, BOSCOLA, STOUT, FONTANA, O'PAKE, FERLO, MELLOW, TARTAGLIONE, ERICKSON, LEACH, BROWNE, WASHINGTON, STACK, COSTA, LOGAN AND KITCHEN, FEBRUARY 1, 2010

REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, FEBRUARY 1, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Memorializing the President of the United States and members of

the Congress of the United States to maintain funding for

mammograms for women beginning at 40 years of age.

WHEREAS, Congress is currently discussing health care reform;

and

WHEREAS, Part of the discussion is about determining what

services will be covered and which will not be covered; and

WHEREAS, A recent study by the United States Preventative

Services Task Force states in its recommendations that women in

their 40s do not need a mammogram and that self-examinations

hold no value; and

WHEREAS, This information is troubling, given that nearly all

breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early; and

WHEREAS, When breast cancer is found at the earliest stage,

the five-year survival rate is 98%; and

WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in

Pennsylvania for women between 25 and 54 years of age; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of making changes to the structure and

system of health care in the United States is to provide the

necessary resources to patients, not to take away care and

services; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the members of the Senate of Pennsylvania

encourage our elected officials in Washington, D.C., to keep the

funding of mammograms intact as the health care debate moves

forward; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to

the President of the United States and the Pennsylvania

Congressional Delegation.