Since early detection of cancer is vital, the EARLY Act seeks to educate young and high-risk women about breast cancer and prevention

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that her bipartisan legislation with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to reauthorize and increase funding for breast cancer awareness has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, a key step toward becoming law. In September 2019, Klobuchar and Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the reauthorization of the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act.

The earlier that cancer cases are identified, the better the chance of surviving this often deadly disease. The key to early detection and treatment lies in education, advocacy, and research. The EARLY Act, which first became law in 2010, empowers young and high-risk women to understand their bodies and advocate for their health. This bill reauthorizes the programs established under the EARLY Act for another five years at the original enacted level of $9 million per year to increase the reach of the education campaign.

“We’ve come so far in the fight against breast cancer, but there is more we must do to ensure that all women—and especially young and high-risk women—have the information and support they need to protect themselves from this deadly disease,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan bill will help to continue the important work of elevating breast cancer awareness while supporting critical research so that one day, we can finally eradicate breast cancer.”

The EARLY Act is endorsed by Breast Friends, Bright Pink, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, National Hispanic Medical Association, Oncology Nursing Society, and Susan G. Komen.

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