Breast Cancer Survivors, Activists Head To Capitol Hill To Marshall Support For Comprehensive Cancer Legislation

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Article Date: 15 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Members of the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure traveled to the nation's capital June 5 to help make the case for more funding for cancer research and access to screening and treatment. During their meetings with Senator Sherrod Brown, and Representatives Dennis Kucinich, Betty Sutton, Steve LaTourette and Ralph Regula, the delegation discussed the need to energize research and the disparities in access to care that exist, particularly in rural and minority communities.

"Thirty five years after our nation declared war on cancer we are still facing a cancer crisis," said Rosemary Gold, Advocacy Chair. "This week's push on Capitol Hill should help build momentum for an all-out assault on all cancer."

The Northeast Ohio delegation joined nearly 300 survivors and activists from 39 states plus the District of Columbia creating a pink wave across over 400 Capitol Hill offices helping to build a foundation of support for comprehensive cancer legislation that will soon be unveiled by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Prior to Senator Kennedy's recent diagnosis of brain cancer, he chaired a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee that discussed the issues addressed by the bill he and Senator Hutchison are crafting.

The Komen delegation reminded members of Congress that despite the many investments and advancements over the past three decades, 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, including approximately 1.4 million new cases this year alone. Cancer will kill more than a half million people this year - about 1,500 people a day.

They also called on Congress to provide a greater government investment in cancer research, placing an emphasis on early detection, and promoting the discovery and development of biomarkers to detect cancers at the earliest possible stage. In addition, investment should be focused on personalized treatments, so early detection can be as easy as a blood test and treatments as non-invasive as an injection. At the same time, they warned Congress not to lose sight of the gaps in access to the detection and treatment options available today that impact the uninsured, underinsured and rural and minority populations.

"While we should be excited about the opportunities for the future and should do everything in our power to discover and deliver the cures, we have to close the gaps that exist today," said Ms. Gold. "If we don't, as the science surges, the gaps will only widen."

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate

Since 1994, the Komen Northeast Ohio Affiliate has raised $12 million to provide funding and support to Northeast Ohio agencies working to create a world without breast cancer. The agencies provide mammograms and screening, breast cancer education and ongoing support to women, men, their families and friends. Up to seventy-five percent of the money raised locally funds programs in Northeast Ohio, and the remaining 25 percent helps fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Research Grant Program. Our vision is to create a world without breast cancer.

www.komenneohio.org