Ohio House Committee Passes Senator Smith’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Legislation

Columbus – Today, State Senator Shirley Smith’s (D-Cleveland) legislation to declare October 13^th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day unanimously passed the Ohio House Committee on Health & Aging.  Senator Smith applauded the committee’s action, noting that the Senate passed the bill on May 22, 2012.  “I am so pleased that the House committee has passed Senate Bill 199 and has recognized the importance of increasing awareness about this disease.  It is time for Ohio to join the 33 American cities and nine states that officially recognize October 13^th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.”

                                                                      

Metastatic breast cancer is the spread of breast cancer to other organs.  Because it usually stems from a reoccurrence, this Stage IV cancer is exceptionally dangerous.  The disease is not currently curable, so treatment for it focuses on extending the woman’s life.

“My legislation will help raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer,” Senate Smith said during her testimony to the committee.  “Advances in biology and medicine have led to new drugs that allow women diagnosed with it to live longer.  However, with increased awareness comes increased attention, and I anticipate that this legislation will lead to new discoveries and treatments.”

Senator Smith first introduced this bill in 2009, and she has been working with University Hospitals to see it enacted into law.  This day of awareness was first celebrated in New York City in 2007.  Since then, a total of 33 American cities and 9 states officially recognize Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  Other states that already officially recognize this day include Maine, Illinois, Georgia, Connecticut, and Michigan. 

“Everyone has, in some way, been touched by breast cancer,” Senate Smith said.  “This disease becomes part of our lives when our mothers, wives, sisters, and friends are diagnosed.  Senate Bill 199 honors the memory of those women who have died because of metastatic breast cancer, and it honors the women, their families, and their friends who are fighting it right now.

“Passing this bill gives us some hope for a brighter day in the future when we can work together to finally find a cure for this disease.”