LIVESTRONG BLOG

SENATORS EDWARD M. KENNEDY AND KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON INTRODUCE CANCER LEGISLATION

Bill will Renew America?s Commitment to Fighting Cancer and Finding Cures

WASHINGTON, DC? Senators Edward M. Kennedy and Kay Bailey Hutchison today introduced the 21st Century Cancer Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act, a bill to comprehensively address the challenges our nation faces in battling this disease. This is the first sweeping cancer legislation introduced since the National Cancer Act in 1971, authored by Kennedy.

The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act will provide critical funding for promising research in early detection, and supply grants for screening and referrals for treatment. These measures will also ensure patient access to prevention and early detection, which is supplemented by increased access to clinical trials and information.

The bill places an emphasis on 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.

Senators Kennedy and Hutchison first proposed the idea for comprehensive cancer legislation last May, when the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing to discuss the need for a renewed focus on the deadly disease. Elizabeth Edwards, Lance Armstrong and Hala Moddelmog from Susan G. Komen for the Cure testified at the hearing.

Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said, ?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. Today, we?re better equipped for the fight? learning each and 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.? said 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.?

“We know how to lengthen and improve the lives of people with cancer, but we’ve chosen as a nation to turn our backs on some of us who have the disease,? said Elizabeth Edwards. ?I urge the United States Senate to embrace the ALERT Act and get it to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”

?In 2010, cancer is expected to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Every American is touched by this disease,? said Lance Armstrong, chairman and founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. ?The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act and its authors? leadership in reforming our nation?s approach to the war on cancer are a very welcome step forward to every member of the LIVESTRONG movement.?

?It?s been 35 years since our nation first declared war on cancer, and yet we are still facing a significant cancer crisis. The Kennedy-Hutchison Cancer ALERT Act will reignite the war on cancer,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “We must all work together and let nothing stand in the way of discovering and delivering the cures to cancer.?