Congress Approves Gynecologic Cancers Prevention Bill; Bush Expected To Sign Into Law

Congress over the weekend passed and sent to President Bush a bill (HR 1245) that would authorize $16.5 million over two years to create prevention education materials for gynecologic cancers, the Detroit News reports (Kozlowski, Detroit News, 12/11). The measure would require HHS to use the funding to create public service announcements and written materials about the symptoms and early detection of gynecologic cancers. The money, which would be awarded as HHS grants, also would help to direct information -- including early warning signs and treatment options of gynecologic cancers -- to health professionals and families. About 71,000 women annually are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, and early detection of the disease can lead to survival rates of between 80% and 90%. Survival rates for women diagnosed with late-stage cancers are about 20%. The bill, known as Johanna's Law, was passed by the House last month (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 11/16). The Senate on Friday approved the bill by unanimous consent, and the measure was cleared to be sent to Bush on Saturday (HR 1245 major actions, 12/12). According to the News, Bush is expected to sign the measure into law. "Knowledge is hope," Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) said, adding, "Knowledge essentially is a cure. This isn't true of all malignancies." Julene Fabrizio, head of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, said the measure "not only will help women, it will also help physicians think a little more about (gynecological) cancers" (Detroit News, 12/11).

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