Maine Democratic Party

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Reps. Michaud and Pingree Renew Effort to Help Breast Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree joined over 200 of their colleagues to reintroduce The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, a bill that would end drive-through mastectomies. The legislation will help to ensure that breast cancer patients have access to appropriate care by allowing a woman and her doctor to decide whether she should recuperate from a mastectomy or lumpectomy in the hospital for up to 48 hours or whether she has enough support to get quality care at home.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008 an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women, and an estimated 1,990 invasive breast cancer cases were diagnosed in men, most of whom will undergo some type of surgical treatment, which may involve a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

"Whether or not a breast cancer patient remains in the hospital following a mastectomy should be determined by a doctor and patient. Unfortunately, many patients may be forced to leave the hospital when they are still in pain, groggy from anesthesia, and with drainage tubes that require professional attention because their insurance will not cover their stay," said Reps. Michaud and Pingree. "The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act will help to ensure that any decision in favor of a shorter or longer hospital stay will be made by the patient and her doctor, and not an insurance company."

The legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) and Joe Barton (R-TX) with 202 cosponsors. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA). In the 110th Congress, the House overwhelmingly passed the legislation (421-2). Additionally, a petition at myLifetime.com calling for passage of the bill has been signed nearly 23 million times. The bill is also supported by high profile organizations, including Susan G. Komen, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Cancer Society.

Continued Reps. Michaud and Pingree, "The time has come to pass this common-sense, compassionate legislation in support of women's health. When faced with breast cancer, the last thing anyone should have to do is fight her insurance company for basic health care."

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