CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE LEADS NATIONAL EFFORT TO COMBAT TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle 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 a resolution to officially designate March 3^rd as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

“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."

Christina Thompson, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition, said: “The Breast Cancer Coalition wholeheartedly supports Congressman Morelle’s Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research & Education Act. This vital legislation will expand research through the National Institutes of Health, ensuring that individuals impacted by this aggressive disease have access to the latest advancements in treatment. Advancing knowledge and research on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a critical step toward improving outcomes and saving lives. Our mission to eradicate breast cancer through advocacy, education, and research remains at the heart of everything we do.”

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. Rep. Morelle’s daughter, Lauren, passed away after her battle with triple-negative breast cancer in 2017 at just 31 years old.

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, read the full text here. Joining Congressman Morelle in supporting this legislation is Congressman Don Bacon (R, NE-02).
Congressman Morelle has also introduced a resolution officially designating March 3 as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It is a part of his ongoing commitment to strengthening resources to fight cancer, including early detection and treatment. Read more about Congressman Morelle’s work to fight cancer and increase overall healthcare quality and access here.

###