
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 2, 1992                   TAG: 9203020230
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ANY WOMAN COULD GET BREAST CANCER

YOUR NEWS article (Feb. 9) about Frank Smusz and his efforts in Richmond on behalf of his wife was terrific. The statement that Frank is a lobbyist for one is not exactly true. I know that Lorraine is his first priority, but every woman in Virginia will ultimately benefit from his work.

Every woman, whether we want to think about it or not, is a potential breast-cancer victim. This is doubly upsetting to me, because I too pay Blue Cross for my health-care insurance. The idea that proven treatment can be withheld for the sake of a balance sheet is abhorrent.

I say "thank you" to Frank Smusz, but the only real answer is for every woman to take responsibility for herself. We all vote or should vote. We can all contact our representatives and press them to vote for legislation that will assure health care over profit. We can also work to ensure that government money given to research is allocated in equal proportions to research in women's health issues. PHYLLIS MARDIAN CLOVERDALE

by CNB