U.S. Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) and Sue Myrick (NC-9) announced today that they have introduced the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act, a bill that would allow mobile mammography units -- mammovans -- to purchase fuel without the federal excise tax.

Specifically, this legislation, if passed, would allow mammovans, many of which are supported by non-profit organizations and private donations, to provide vital services in underserved areas. A similar exemption is already provided to blood collection centers under current law. Mobile mammography units travel thousands of miles each year to provide mammograms and other services that help prevent and treat medical challenges facing many women.

Breast cancer is the second-most-common type of cancer in American women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living here. For 2010, it was estimated that 207,090 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer, and while deaths from breast cancer have decreased steadily over the last several years, the condition still claims more than 40,000 lives each year. 

The Mobile Mammography Promotion Actwas previously introduced by former Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada, who was appointed to the Senate earlier this year.  Luetkemeyer and Myrick will take over as the lead sponsors of the bill. In the 111^th Congress, Luetkemeyer was a cosponsor of the bill, which garnered bipartisan support.

“Many of us know firsthand the tragedy of cancer, whether it was one’s personal struggles or a friend or loved one’s battle against cancer,” Luetkemeyer said. “The key to defeating breast cancer is early detection and treatment.  Unfortunately, too many Americans – especially in rural areas like Missouri’s Ninth Congressional District – do not have regular access to the prevention and screening services.  Mobile mammography units, often called ‘mammovans,’ are one way the treatment gap is filled in rural and urban areas.”

“By making it more financially feasible for mobile mammography units to operate, women in underserved and rural areas will have better access to screenings. As a supporter of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and as a breast cancer survivor, I know that early detection is key.  Mobile mammography units have the potential to save lives.” Myrick said.

In the Ninth District, mammovans have recently helped residents by having traveled to:

• Boone County- 3M, City of Columbia, Family Health Center, HyVee, MBS Textbooks, MFA Oil, Namaste Healthcare, Oak Towers, Shelter Insurance, Southern Boone County School, Schneider Electric and State Farm Insurance;
• Callaway County- Fulton State Hospital;
• Camden County-  Hyvee-Osage Beach, Medical Missions for Christ and Westlake Medical Center; 
• Knox County- Knox County Health Department;
• Macon County- Loch Haven Nursing Home, Macon County Health Department and Samaritan Hospital;
• Maries County- Vienna Family Practice;
• Miller County- Lodge of Four Seasons, Miller County Health Department, School of the Osage and Willow Creek;
• Monroe County- Monroe County Health Department;
• Montgomery County- Montgomery County Health Department;
• Osage County- Osage County Health Department;
• Randolph County- Orscheln Management and Scholastics;
• Shelby County- Shelby County Health Department.

###