In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimates that almost 213,000 women will develop breast cancer and almost 41,000 women will die from the disease. Treatment advances have provided women with hope, but that is not enough. One surgical option for breast cancer is a mastectomy, the surgical removal of the breast. This has been done as an inpatient procedure and needs to remain one. However, efforts are underway to make this an outpatient procedure. If you know of anyone who has had a mastectomy, then you know this is an awful idea. Due to the efforts of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, outpatient mastectomies (referred to as a "drive-thru mastectomy") are no longer allowed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But that does not help women in other states.
More on the flipLegislation has been introduced in Congress to stop outpatient mastectomies. It has been languishing and needs our help. I know we are often asked to sign petitions or to call our congressmen/women. I've done both. Please take a moment of your time to add your name to this petition!
If there was ever a time when our voices should be heard, this is one of those times. The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act 2005 will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the "drive-thru" mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their website with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the website below.
You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
Thank you for your support.
