Published on March 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Hughes
(703) 519-2118
lisa.hughes@preventcancer.org
Bi-Partisan Bill Renews America’s Commitment to Cancer Prevention, Research and Treatment
Alexandria, VA — The Prevent Cancer Foundation — the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to the prevention of cancer since 1985 — thanks Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) for introducing the 21st Century Cancer Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act. The bill comprehensively addresses the challenges our nation faces in battling this disease. This sweeping cancer legislation attempts to expand and modernize the National Cancer Act of 1971, which was authored by Senator Kennedy.
“The Foundation greatly appreciates Senators Kennedy and Hutchinson for their bi-partisan leadership in addressing legislation to improve the spectrum of cancer care, from prevention to survivorship,” explains Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “We particularly applaud their commitment to prevention and research and look forward to working with them to strengthen the framework for comprehensive reform that they have introduced. If enacted, this bill will guide our country’s cancer efforts to reflect an improved access to preventive care and screening, more coordinated cutting edge clinical research in prevention and access to quality care to prevention and treatment for all Americans.”
The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act authorizes promising research in early detection, and supply grants for screening and referrals for treatment. The bill emphasizes strengthening cancer research and the urgent need for resources to both prevent and detect cancers at an early stage. The bill strives to give scientists the tools they need to fight cancer and to understand more thoroughly how the disease works. Through fostering new treatments, increased preventative measures and funding for research, the ALERT Act begins a new chapter in how Americans will live with and fight cancer.
“We’ve come a long way in fighting cancer since we passed the National Cancer Act thirty-eight years ago, but not far enough. Americans still live in fear that they or someone they love will be affected,” said Senator Kennedy, the Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “Today, we’re better equipped for the fight – learning every day a little bit more about the disease and what we can do to fight it. Cancer is a complex disease and it requires comprehensive strategies to fight it— strategies that integrate research, prevention and treatment. This bill will renew our efforts to make progress in the battle against cancer, and to give patients and their families a renewed sense of hope.”
“Our nation declared the War on Cancer in 1971, yet, nearly 38 years later, cancer is expected to become the leading killer of Americans. We must bring renewed focus and vigor to this fight,” explains Senator Hutchison. “The prescription isn’t simple, but there are steps we must take if we are going to see the cancer diagnosis rate decline, while raising the prognosis for survival among those who do have the disease. Our legislation will enact those necessary steps so we may see more progress and coordination in cancer research and treatment.”
The Prevent Cancer Foundation supports the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act as it comprehensively addresses the challenges our nation faces in battling this disease. The Foundation applauds Senators Kennedy and Hutchinson for their leadership and shared vision of creating a cancer-free future for all Americans.
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About Prevent Cancer Foundation
The Prevent Cancer Foundation was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers.
Since its inception, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided more than $106 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country. The Foundation’s peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to nearly 400 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, visit www.preventcancer.org.
