As a result of legislation authored by Senator Feinstein, the breast cancer research stamp is the first in our nation's history to raise funds for a special cause. Since first going on sale during the summer of 1998, the stamp has raised more than $40 million for research nationally.

On July 27, 2000, the United States Senate approved legislation authored by Senator Feinstein to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for another two years.  The legislation was co-sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas).

"I am extremely pleased that the Breast Cancer Stamp has been reauthorized for two more years," Senator Feinstein said. "This historic stamp has been a rousing success as millions of Americans have contributed to this special cause. Each time we use the stamp -- not only do we raise additional funds for research -- we send a message of hope that we will find a cure."

The legislation permits the sale of the stamp for an additional two years. The stamp, which now costs 44 cents, with 7 cents devoted to research, continues to be priced up to 25% above the value of a first-class stamp with the surplus revenues going to breast cancer research programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Under the bill, the U.S. Postal Service would be granted authority to determine which specific causes merit future semipostal stamps.

"California continues to lead the way as we have contributed over $3 million in research funds, or roughly 21% of the money raised nationwide," Senator Feinstein said. "The bottom line is that every dollar we continue to raise will save lives."

In April, the General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report showing that the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been a success and an effective fund-raiser in the effort to boost funds to fight the disease. The General Accounting Office said in the report that "the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been successful."

"I would especially like to thank all the Breast Cancer research advocates who have fought so tirelessly for this stamp, especially Dr. Ernie Bodai and Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer, who have been indefatigable in lobbying for this important stamp."

The legislation is supported by numerous organizations, including: the American Cancer Society; American Medical Association; American Association of Health Plans; Breast Cancer Fund; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; American Cancer League; American College of Surgeons; American College of Radiology; Community Breast Health Project; California Nurses Association; CureBreast Cancer Inc.; Emergency Nurses Association; Friends of Cancer Research; National Association for Women's Health; Women's Information Network – Against BreastCancer (WINABC); Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

The idea behind the stamp originated in California from the very beginning. It came roughly two years ago from a Sacramento oncologist, Dr. Ernie Bodai, who has treated over 1,000 women with breast cancer. The idea came to Dr. Bodai while he was licking stamps for holiday greeting cards.

The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Md., and illustrated by Whitney Sherman of Baltimore, Md. This is the first postage stamp illustration by Sherman, and is the first stamp design completed by Kessler, who is currently working on other stamp design projects for the Postal Service and has a personal interest in helping raise awareness about breast cancer as she is a survivor of the disease.

The stamp itself is based on an ink drawing showing the Roman goddess Diana pulling an arrow out of a quiver. Diana is the mythological symbol of strength and independence who overcomes the perils of the world.

In the illustration, Diana is reaching for an arrow. This can be interpreted as getting ready to target the disease. Likewise, the positioning of the figure's arm can be interpreted as the position needed to examine oneself for possible breast cancer symptoms. The colors used for this piece are intended to present a kaleidoscope of color which symbolically includes all people as this disease knows no boundaries.

Facts About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is considered the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in every major ethnic group in the United States. More than two million women are living with breast cancer in America today, yet one million of them have not been diagnosed. Today, breast cancer is still the number one cancer killer of women between the ages of 15 and 54. The disease claims another woman's life every 15 minutes in the United States.

More and more people today are becoming cancer survivors rather than cancer victims thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, eight million people are alive today as a result of cancer research.