WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced legislation to reauthorize and increase funding for 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 would reauthorize 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 can 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 elevate breast cancer awareness and support critical research so that one day, we can finally eradicate breast cancer.”

“I know firsthand the need for early screenings and warnings about the health threat of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control should be able to provide educational materials about the importance of early detection that could save many Americans from breast cancer. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation,” Crapo said.

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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