Expressing support for designation of March 3, 2023, as "National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Day".
Impact
By designating a specific day to highlight the challenges associated with TNBC, the resolution seeks to foster a greater understanding of the disease within communities and to encourage discussions on the need for increased funding for research and support for affected individuals. The resolution serves as a call to action for governmental and healthcare organizations to intensify efforts to eradicate TNBC and to support patients suffering from this form of breast cancer.
Summary
House Resolution 172 aims to express support for the designation of March 3, 2023, as 'National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Day.' This resolution recognizes triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as a distinct type of cancer that disproportionately affects young women, particularly those of Black and Hispanic descent, as well as individuals with BRCA gene mutations. The importance of this designation lies in raising awareness about the aggressive nature of TNBC, which can often be more difficult to treat compared to other breast cancer types due to the lack of targeted therapies available for it.
Contention
Although the bill is largely supportive of awareness initiatives, notable points of contention might arise in discussions about the allocation of resources and attention towards TNBC compared to other breast cancer types. As TNBC affects a specific demographic more intensely, there may be debates about the perceived prioritization of this cancer type over others, highlighting an ongoing discourse in medical advocacy regarding equity in healthcare funding and research initiatives.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill requires research and education activities related to triple-negative breast cancer. The cells of these breast cancers are negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein, so they do not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target the HER2 protein receptors. Specifically, the National Institutes of Health must conduct and support research into the disease. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration must develop information about triple-negative breast cancer, including information regarding the elevated risk for minority women, for the public and for health care providers.
Expressing support for the designation of November 2024 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.