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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2007
CONTACT:
Kurt Acker
412-630-9466
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Senator Orie Introduces Resolution to Study Breast Cancer Standards of Care

State Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-McCandless) introduced a resolution that requires the Joint State Government Commission to create a Pink Ribbon Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives of medical schools, teaching hospitals, cancer and breast centers, facilities which perform mammography and imaging technology, the insurance industry, advocacy groups, and other interested parties.

The charge to the Joint State Government Commission is to study the state and cost of technology, the education, training, numbers, and the existence of and adherence to guidelines by those who perform screening and interpret results, the accessibility to professional help for women in rural areas, the adequacy of reimbursement for first and second opinions, the information made available to women who are found to have abnormal symptoms, and the need to create a Pennsylvania guideline or standard of care for detection and follow-up.

"Pennsylvania, as well as the entire nation, has effectively reduced the number of deaths of women from breast cancer," Ms. Orie said.  "Because of early detection and treatment with more effective therapies, the lives of Pennsylvania's women have been prolonged.  But despite screening, some women have succumbed to cancers that were not detected in the early stages.  This is what we are combating today."