On Thursday June 5 nearly 300 breast cancer Survivors and activists from all over the country represented Susan G. Komen for the Cure on Capitol Hill. I was part of the delegation from my local affiliate, the North Carolina Triad Affiliate. We were there to meet with our representatives so that we could explain the need for increased cancer research funding and improved access to screening and treatment.
It is expected that a piece of comprehensive cancer legislation, intended to "reignite the war against cancer," will be introduced this summer. Developed by Senators Kennedy ( D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), the bill is known as as the Kennedy-Hutchison Cancer Legislation.
According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance, here is what you can expect to find in this legislation:
(1) A greater investment in cancer research, particularly translational research.
(2) An emphasis on early detection.
(3) Improved access to cancer care for underserved populations. How? Among other things, by expanding access to clinical trials.
Go here to listen to an NPR interview with Senator Hutchison about this legislation. Keep in mind that this legislation is not exclusive to breast cancer; it is applicable to all cancers. Did you know that approximately 1500 Americans die from cancer every day? That 40 percent of all Americans will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime? (*)
Ricardo Antonio Chivara (Carlos on "Desperate Housewives") spoke at a press conference on the steps of Capitol Hill. His mother died of breast cancer when he was a teenager.
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