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Efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and to help combat the disease would get a financial boost under legislation introduced Tuesday, May 4 by state Sen. Michael Katz (D-Centerville).
Katz’s legislation would authorize the production of a special license plate whose proceeds would assist the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, which runs a number of education and outreach programs throughout the state.
The coalition is also a partner with the state Department of Public Health in operating a mobile mammography van to provide breast cancer exams for women who might not be able to afford one otherwise.
“This is a bill to support all the women in our lives,” said Katz, the only medical doctor serving in the General Assembly. “Breast cancer affects one in eight women … We need to do everything we can to help increase awareness and educate women and men about this disease.”
If approved, the plates would cost motorists an extra $100 above the normal cost of license plates, with the money going to help fund the coalition’s activities. There also would be a $10 administrative fee for the initial application for the plates.
House Majority Whip Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear) said the plates themselves would be a highly visible way to raise awareness.
“Every time you saw those plates in front of you in traffic, the message would be there,” said Longhurst, the bill’s chief House sponsor. “And we should be doing everything we can to get the message out.”
That’s because Vicky Cooke, the coalition’s executive director, said that most breast cancer can be treated – if it’s caught early enough.
“It’s not a death sentence most of the time anymore,” said Cooke, herself a 17-year breast cancer survivor. “With early detection and treatment, there is a high survival rate. We have to keep getting that message out and keep raising awareness so people will get checked.”
Efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and to help combat the disease would get a financial boost under legislation introduced Tuesday, May 4 by state Sen. Michael Katz (D-Centerville).
Katz’s legislation would authorize the production of a special license plate whose proceeds would assist the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, which runs a number of education and outreach programs throughout the state.
The coalition is also a partner with the state Department of Public Health in operating a mobile mammography van to provide breast cancer exams for women who might not be able to afford one otherwise.
“This is a bill to support all the women in our lives,” said Katz, the only medical doctor serving in the General Assembly. “Breast cancer affects one in eight women … We need to do everything we can to help increase awareness and educate women and men about this disease.”
If approved, the plates would cost motorists an extra $100 above the normal cost of license plates, with the money going to help fund the coalition’s activities. There also would be a $10 administrative fee for the initial application for the plates.
House Majority Whip Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear) said the plates themselves would be a highly visible way to raise awareness.
“Every time you saw those plates in front of you in traffic, the message would be there,” said Longhurst, the bill’s chief House sponsor. “And we should be doing everything we can to get the message out.”
That’s because Vicky Cooke, the coalition’s executive director, said that most breast cancer can be treated – if it’s caught early enough.
“It’s not a death sentence most of the time anymore,” said Cooke, herself a 17-year breast cancer survivor. “With early detection and treatment, there is a high survival rate. We have to keep getting that message out and keep raising awareness so people will get checked.”
