Dear John,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the impact of this terrible disease and redouble our efforts to prevent it, detect it, treat it, and eventually find a cure.

According to the CDC, about 242,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and of those, about 42,500 lose their battles. Tragically, Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than all other women.

In the fight against breast cancer, experts tell us that early detection is our best protection. That's why regular breast exams and annual mammograms are so critical. The Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP) provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women in Alabama. To check your eligibility, click here or call 1-877-252-3324.

This morning, I hosted a "Terri Talks" virtual discussion on the importance of early detection with Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies in Birmingham. To watch today's discussion, click below.

Ms. Brenda's story is one of trials to triumph. Throughout the past 30 years, she has made it her mission to educate, inspire, and empower those affected by breast cancer in our community. I was honored to be named her "2023 Ambassador of Hope" for my work in Congress to increase access to early detection tools. I continue to consider her a close partner and ally in this fight.

The fight against cancer is personal for me, as it is for so many. In 2021, I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer. But in the time since, I have tried my best to turn my pain into purpose so that other families don't have to go through what mine did.

Today, I’m proud to be leading bipartisan legislation in Congress to ensure that our seniors can afford new early detection tools which have the potential to screen for many different types of cancer with a simple blood test.

Not only will this bill save lives, but it will also help reduce the glaring racial disparities in cancer diagnosis and death.

Thanks to our persistent advocacy, our bill is supported by 107 Democrats and 91 Republicans in the House of Representatives! I want you to know that I am committed to harnessing this momentum to get this legislation passed and signed into law.

What keeps me going is knowing that what we do today will save countless lives in the future and pave the way for a world without cancer.

As always, please be sure to check in regularly with our website and social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) for updates. If you'd like to share your thoughts or concerns, you can email me here.

Today and every day, it is an honor to serve you in Congress. Take good care.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell