News and Views
New Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Act Passed
A new, $16.5 million federal program has been authorized to educate women about gynecologic cancers. The bill was signed into law last month by President Bush, after it was passed earlier by a bi-partisan majority in the Congress. "Increasing awareness about gynecologic cancers offers an increased opportunity for early detection and saving lives," said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). "The enormous support this bill received from cancer survivors, healthcare providers and friends and family of those who have fought gynecologic cancers was critical to its success."
Called "Johanna’s Law," the bill was conceived by Sheryl Silver, of The Washington Post, who lost her sister, Johanna, to ovarian cancer after a nearly four-year battle.
The bill had 257 co-sponsors and was passed by the House of Representatives on November 14, and then passed by the Senate on December 8. President Bush signed the bill into law on Jan. 12.
--by the staff of Proceedings of Cancer Treatment Centers of America