More than 180,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. But is our health care system providing the help that these women need? Many women are forced to leave the hospital just hours after undergoing a major surgery for breast cancer due to pressure from insurance companies.

The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act (BCPPA) prevents this from happening by guaranteeing women the right to a minimum hospital stay of 48 hours after a mastectomy or lumpectomy and 24 hours after a lymph node removal. The BCPPA ensures that patients and doctors decide the duration of a hospital visit, not insurance companies. It also demands coverage for breast cancer patients seeking second opinions.

This bill made it through the House but ran out of time before the Senate adjourned. If the Senate returns for a November lame-duck session, the BCPPA should be on its agenda! Tell your senator you want to see this bill passed in the lame-duck session. Help breast cancer patients get the care and support they need!