"I am proud to join many individuals in recognizing the 30th anniversary of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Over the past three decades, this program has served over 5 million women and provided over 15 million breast and cervical cancer screenings. The program currently funds 70 awardees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, and 13 tribal organizations, which includes the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program in my home state. I am so thankful for all of those who work tirelessly at each of these programs.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to ensuring funding for this vital program so it can continue its critical role in providing access to these medical services and help avoid often preventable deaths. Now, as we take this moment to look back at all the program has accomplished and the many who have been touched by it, it is essential we also look forward to continuing our fight against the disease which takes far too many of our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friend."

"Amazing, that the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is 30 years old- 30 Years of making a difference in the lives of individuals and in supporting an infrastructure that facilitates routine screening and early intervention.

Congratulations to the CDC as organizers of the event for both pausing to celebrate and for assembling such an impressive panel on the beginnings of the program. Having legislative icons in former Senator Mikulski and former Representative Waxman-who made this historic program happen is exciting. I know their insights and perspectives will be informative and interesting. Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, Dr. James Marks and Rosemarie Henson created a vision for the program’s organization and implementation that clearly laid a foundation for long-term impact. These three public health leaders have had amazing careers for a reason."

“Early screenings and warnings are important tools when it comes to detecting and treating cancer.  For the last thirty years, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has helped our nation make great strides against these diseases, and the program will continue to play a critical role in ensuring early access to cancer and medical screenings.”

"I want to congratulate the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), and its grantees, on 30 impactful years of service to people across the nation. I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of Chairman Waxman’s legislation creating the NBCCEDP, and am honored by all it and you have accomplished. Since its inception, this program has remained committed to providing low income and underserved communities’ access to life saving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services in a timely manner. This program will continue to play an indispensable role in ensuring access to these critical medical services for those who are uninsured and underinsured here in America."

"For 30 years, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided vital screening and diagnostic services to medically underserved populations across America. This lifesaving program increases early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancer among women who are uninsured and underinsured, many of whom have never or rarely been screened. Breast and cervical cancers are easier to treat when they are detected and treated early. Earlier this year, because of a routine screening, I learned that I had Stage 1A breast cancer. I am so thankful that my doctors were able to catch it early and now my doctors believe that my chances of developing cancer again are no greater than the average person. I credit that routine screening for my successful treatment. We must make sure that more women have the same access to preventive care that I received, and I look forward to continuing to support this vital program."