Many of us have been affected, one way or another, by cancer. Whether you are battling some form of the disease, or it is afflicting a loved one, friend, colleague, or neighbor – unfortunately, we are all bound to know someone who is fighting cancer. Both of my parents battled different forms of the disease.

I have been a proud supporter of funding for the National Institutes of Health during my time in Congress. This agency researches and finds cures for all types of cancer. However, with the month of October recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to spend a little more time discussing my efforts in Congress to help individuals have access to the preventative care that is so critical to combating this disease.  

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. The numbers are staggering. In Missouri, an estimated 5,030 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women this year and 88 women will die of the disease. In the United States, an estimated 249,260 new cases are expected to occur in 2016, and over 40,000 individuals will die of breast cancer.

I firmly believe that early detection is the key in combating breast cancer. You may not be aware, but mobile blood banks do not pay federal excise taxes on the fuel they use. However, mobile mammography units, where individuals can get mammograms without having to travel to a hospital or doctor’s office, pay the full tax. This added cost means that units can visit fewer patients in fewer places. That’s why I introduced the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act. This commonsense bill would put mobile mammography units on par with mobile blood banks by providing them with the exact same relief on the federal fuel excise tax. These vehicles are designed to exclusively provide mobile mammography services that travel to underserved and rural areas around the country, including eastern and central Missouri.

In many parts of the 3^rd District of Missouri, individuals do not have access to a clinic that is less than a 30 minute drive away. The goal of this legislation is to make mammograms more accessible in these areas. While there will be a small loss of revenue to the government in fuel taxes, added screening will undoubtedly save federal dollars spent on health care. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Too many of us have lost a loved one due to a form of cancer. Not only this month, but year round, let’s remind our friends, family members, and neighbors to get screened to protect their lives. It is important that we all take an active role so we can fight breast cancer, once and for all.