Going pink

While October brings colder weather, fall activities, and the beginning of the holiday season, this month also marks an opportunity to bring attention to an important cause: breast cancer awareness.

Every woman can relate to the worry and anxiety felt when having a yearly mammogram. It's not uncommon for women to retake the test or have a follow-up ultrasound, because their mammograms showed "irregularities" or signs of what might be breast cancer.

During those days that seem like weeks before receiving the results, women endure a wait filled with uncertainty and fear. We hope for the best, but can't help contemplating the "worst-case" scenarios flashing through our minds, knowing that our lives could change dramatically in an instant.

In many cases, tests are negative, we breathe a sigh of relief, and go on -- back to carpooling and juggling family commitments with busy work schedules. All too often, though, a woman hears those life-altering words from her doctor that she indeed has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 2013, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer, more than 64,000 new cases of in situ breast cancer, and nearly 40,000 deaths due to breast cancer among women. These numbers are devastating and represent the thousands of women affected by the disease in just one year.

Behind those numbers are brave women -- our friends, our colleagues, our family members -- who battle breast cancer. Like so many Nebraskans, I have many people in my own life who have suffered from this disease.

Recently, a close friend of mine discovered that she has breast cancer. Like many others, she is very young. She and her family faced this battle with grace, faith, courage, and positive determination. The prayers and well wishes the family received from friends helped, but she said it was her family's strong bond and unconditional love that helped her through the difficult time, both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, her tests are now clear, but she must remain very careful and continue to be checked every few months.

I so admire the fierce strength and courage of all the women battling breast cancer, as well as survivors and those whom the disease takes from us. Their grace and dignity during their treatments are an inspiration, and their family members and friends also deserve great respect and recognition for their devoted care and support.

It's encouraging to see people come together in support of this cause across the country each year.

The cause transcends gender. Both men and women of all ages participate in philanthropic events and contribute to efforts to raise awareness about how others can get involved. Football teams across the nation have even "gone pink" in support of national breast cancer awareness. The pink ribbon has become a universal symbol of support for all women who have dealt with breast cancer and represents our commitment to finding a cure.

Countless groups and organizations dedicate their time, energy, and resources to fighting the disease this month and year-round. Their inspiring work and leadership are the driving force behind growing public awareness and educating women about how they can catch and treat the disease early. The single best way to fight this disease is early diagnosis. I strongly urge all women -- young or old -- to receive regular mammograms and screenings.

I am also cosponsoring legislation to ensure women faced with invasive surgery are informed of all care options. The bill would create an educational campaign, at no cost to the taxpayer, to inform breast cancer patients of the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction and other options. Knowledge is power, and it's important that all patients are well informed.

According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Let us continue to work together on behalf of women and all individuals whose lives are impacted by this terrible disease and support efforts that can help us find an ultimate cure.

Thank you for participating in our democratic process, and I look forward to visiting with you again next week.