Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at "Think Beyond Pink" Luncheon in Caribou

Caribou, ME — U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered the keynote address at the “Think Beyond Pink” luncheon in Caribou today. The event, hosted by the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, emphasized the need to find an effective means of prevention, treatment, and cure for breast cancer. The event was attended by cancer researchers, medical professionals, advocates, and survivors.

Senator Collins has led efforts to boost funding for biomedical research and improve access to prevention programs. Last month, she received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for her dedication to increased cancer research funding and improved patient quality of life.

“As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we should celebrate life and the progress we are making in the fight against this disease,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “With determination and patience, we can bring hope to millions of women and their families. Against this scourge that causes so much pain and suffering, so much fear and uncertainty, and so much heartbreak, we are making progress. Together, with science, commitment, and compassion, we can and will prevail.”

As a member of both the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of Senator Collins’ top priorities is increasing funding for biomedical research for diseases like breast cancer. The funding bill that passed last December included $5 billion for the National Cancer Institute – a $264 million increase – and $120 million for the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program.

In addition, Senator Collins has been a longtime supporter of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which for more than 20 years has provided important cancer screening services at low or no cost to nearly five million low-income American women. She was also a cosponsor of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, which became law in 2000. The Act gave states the option to provide Medicaid coverage for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through these federally funded screening programs.