Representatives Bacon, Morelle Lead Bipartisan Effort to Combat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Today, Reps. Don Bacon (R, NE-02) and Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) introduced two pieces of legislation to advance research, treatment, and prevention of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). The legislation includes the bipartisan Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act as well as Rep. Morelle’s resolution to officially designate March 3^rd as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

“I'm proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan TNBC Research and Education Act to raise awareness for a cause deeply personal to my family and me. Nineteen years ago, I lost my beloved sister, Beth, to breast cancer when she was only 39 years old,” said Rep. Bacon. “I firmly believe with dedicated and aggressive research, we can finally defeat breast cancer. Together, let's fight against this dreaded disease and support all those affected.”

“Far too many families, including my own, have felt the pain of losing a loved one to triple-negative breast cancer. This aggressive disease must be met with an equally aggressive response,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “As we mark Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day, I’m proud to introduce this legislation in honor of my daughter, Lauren, to help more people receive access to life-saving information and treatments. I stand with survivors, advocates, and families everywhere as we work toward a future free from this devastating disease."

Hayley Dinerman, Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be here for the introduction of the TNBC Education Act and Representative Joe Morelle’s annual resolution recognizing March 3rd as TNBC Awareness Day. These important efforts not only raise awareness, but also empower our community of TNBC patients, survivors, and their families by giving them a platform to feel seen and heard. It is through these actions that we continue to fight for better support, research, and resources for those affected by triple-negative breast cancer.”

Ricki Fairley, Co-founder & CEO of TOUCH, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, said: “Triple negative breast cancer impacts Black women at three times the rate of white women. 40% of TNBC patients are under the age of 40. TNBC day and month provide an awesome opportunity to bring attention to our disease, help women understand their treatment options and address the policy changes that we need to advance science, and enhance the quality of care.”

Breast cancers are generally diagnosed based upon the presence, or lack thereof, of three “receptors” known to fuel most breast cancers: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The most successful treatments for breast cancer target these receptors; however, a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer means that none of these receptors are present, causing the cancer to be immune to many common treatments. It is estimated triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 10 to 20 percent of female breast cancer diagnoses every year.

Specifically, the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act would:

• Direct both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand current research into TNBC;

• Foster greater information sharing between NIH, HHS, and the general public as well as between health agencies and healthcare providers on the community level;

• Create a greater public understanding of TNBC risk-factors, diagnosis, and treatment options;
  

For more information on the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act, which was originally championed by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, read the full text here.

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