House Approves Gynecologic Cancers Prevention Bill

The House on Tuesday voted to approve 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, 11/15). The bill, known as Johanna’s Law, 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 (Kaiser Daily Women’s Health Policy Report, 9/8/05). According to the Dallas Morning News, the bill had stalled in House Committee on Energy and Commerce — chaired by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), who has been criticized for resisting disease-specific bills — but supporters of the measure recently called on House Republican leaders to move the legislation forward. Barton declined to comment when asked about the disease-specific legislation bypassing his committee, the Morning News reports (Reddy, Dallas Morning News, 11/15). Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), co-sponsor of the bill, said its passage is “significant progress for women’s health.” According to the News, about 71,000 women annually are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, and early detection of the disease can lead to survival rates of about 80% to 90%, while survival rates for women diagnosed with late-stage cancers is about 20%. The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration (Detroit News, 11/15).

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