Ohio Senate Passes Senator Smith’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Legislation

Columbus – State Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) released the following statement today after the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 199, legislation she introduced to declare October 13th Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Metastatic breast cancer is the spread of breast cancer to other organs. Because metastatic breast cancer usually stems from a reoccurrence, this Stage IV cancer is exceptionally dangerous. The disease is not currently curable, so treatment for metastatic breast cancer focuses on extending the woman’s life.


“I am so pleased that the Senate has passed Senate Bill 199 and recognized the importance of increasing awareness about metastatic breast cancer. It is time for Ohio to join the 33 American cities and nine states that officially recognize October 13th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

“Everyone has, in some way, been touched by breast cancer. 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 this metastatic breast cancer, and it honors the women, their families, and their friends who are fighting it right now.

“My legislation will help raise awareness about this exceptionally dangerous disease. Advances in biology and medicine have led to new drugs that allow women with metastatic breast cancer to live longer, though it is still considered an incurable disease. However, with increased awareness comes increased attention, and I anticipate that this legislation will lead to new discoveries and treatments.

“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.”