Washington, DC – In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Today we celebrate the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a survivor,  this month holds a special significance for me, as it does for millions of women and families affected by this disease.

“When, months after a clean mammogram and at just 41 I heard those terrible words: you have breast cancer, I thought there was some mistake. I was not aware I was at risk, particularly as a young woman. When I was declared cancer-free six years ago, I knew I had to fully engage in the national breast cancer awareness movement and share my own personal story in the hopes that it would help other young women.  Knowledge is  power, and the best tool we have to fighting this disease.

“Thanks to President Obama and Democrats in Congress, breast cancer patients and survivors like me can no longer be discriminated against by health insurance companies for having pre-existing conditions. Preventive screenings, including mammograms, which can detect diseases early and ultimately save lives are now covered. It is crucial that women have access to quality, affordable health care, and I am proud that the Affordable Care Act opens those doors for millions of American women. We will keep fighting to make sure that every breast cancer survivor has the resources they need.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a renewal of our commitment to educating our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, and ensuring that every woman is armed with the information and knowledge they need to give them the best chance of winning this fight.”