Lung Cancer Alliance Thanks Senator for Endorsing Legislation

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) for endorsing the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, a bi-partisan bi-cameral bill that establishes a multi-agency, comprehensive research program targeted at all aspects of lung cancer.  

After recent meetings in Washington, D.C. with LCA President & CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose and LCA-Washington Chapter Chair, Cecilia Izzo, Senator Cantwell joined as co-sponsor of Senate Bill S.752.  She was also a co-sponsor of its predecessor, S.322.  

"It is so exciting to see momentum continue to build in support of a national plan of action for lung cancer," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of LCA.  "The willingness of Senator Cantwell to join other Senate and House colleagues and call for greater compassion, increased resources and a comprehensive plan for lung cancer – is what will ultimately end the disease as we know it."

The bill requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action to be presented to Congress for evaluation and funding.  

The legislation also calls for a screening demonstration program to begin the process of translating the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) recent scientific validation that low-dose CT screening of an at risk population can significantly reduce lung cancer mortality into public health benefit.   The bills have been referred to the committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the House and Senate.

"Senator Cantwell grasped the urgency of the need and moved swiftly to join other colleagues to demand that lung cancer be given greater compassion and increased resources to address all aspects of this lethal disease," said LCA-WA Co-Chair, nurse and lung cancer survivor, Cecilia Izzo.  "While we continue working with members of the entire WA delegation to obtain their support, LCA-WA will also maintain and build relationships with like minded organizations and individuals to see better outcomes for the lung cancer community."

For more information about the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act please visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer.  Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Follow Lung Cancer Alliance on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lungcanceralliance

Media Contact:
Cecilia Izzo
cizzo@lungcanceralliance.org
206-817-6691

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org