Topeka ? Kansans would be reminded about the risks of breast cancer under a bill considered Thursday that would provide a specialized breast cancer research license plate.

“Behind each cancer statistic is a woman – a woman we have to remember as we wage the battle against this devastating disease,” said state Sen. Barbara Allen, R-Overland Park, herself a breast cancer survivor.

When a woman sees the license plate while driving, stopped at a traffic signal or walking in a parking lot, she will become more aware of the need “to take charge of her health,” said Julie Dunlap, with the Kansas Medical Society Alliance.

Under the bill, $50 of the $85.50 cost of each license plate will go to the Kansas University Cancer Center to help statewide coordination of cancer education and outreach, Allen said.

Allen said purchase of the license plates will ultimately help KU’s efforts at becoming a nationally recognized cancer center with the most modern treatments.

She said when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 she had to receive treatment in Boston for a clinical trial not available in Kansas.

“Women in Kansas should not have to travel to Texas, Minnesota or Massachusetts to obtain the highest standard of care for treatment of breast cancer. We deserve to receive the best cancer care available right here in the Midwest, at home with our family and friends to support us,” Allen said.

Dr. Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said approximately 340 women in Kansas die annually from breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

He said KU researchers are investigating numerous ways of improving early detection of the disease.

Under a bill proposed Thursday, a breast cancer research license plate could be purchased by Kansas drivers, and 0 of the 5.50 cost would go to the Kansas University Cancer Center.

The license plate itself, which features the state flower, a sunflower, wrapped by the pink ribbon, which signifies breast cancer awareness, was designed by Gregory Thomas, chairman of the KU design department.

Thomas said he was diagnosed with kidney cancer seven years ago.

Ever since then, he said, he has tried “to help out where I can by supporting cancer research with my design ability.”

He said the application of the pink ribbon on a license plate will carry an effective message.

“It’s really a good tool to bring awareness,” he said.