Lung Cancer Alliance-Kentucky/So. Indiana Hails Continued Support for Lung Cancer Research

Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-1st) Joins as Co-Sponsor of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-Kentucky/So.IN (LCA-KY/So.IN) thanked Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) for his continued commitment to bringing greater compassion and support to all those affected by lung cancer by his recent endorsement of H.R. 2112, The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (LCMRA).  

H.R. 2112 is first-ever legislation to authorize a multi-agency five year program to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer which continues to be the number one cause of cancer death both nationally and in every state including Kentucky.  Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than breast, prostate, colon, kidney, melanoma and liver cancers combined.  

"Congressman Whitfield continues to lead by example on this important public health issue," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), "as evidenced by his recent cosponsor of legislation which springs from his work in the 110th Congress.  

Last Congress, Congressman Whitfield (R-KY) co-authored House Resolution 335, a simple resolution declaring lung cancer a national public health priority and calling for a comprehensive multi-agency plan to reduce its mortality.  HRes 335 passed unanimously as did its Senate counterpart SRes 87.  

"Tragically, lung cancer continues to claim more lives here in Kentucky, as well as across the country, than any other kind of cancer," Whitfield said. "It is essential we do all that we can to support research efforts to eradicate this killer disease and I am pleased to do all that I can to help us achieve this goal."

"As survivors, caregivers and doctors, we could not be more pleased to work with Congressman Whitfield, and other delegation endorsers which include Congressmen Hal Rogers (R-KY) and John Yarmuth (D-KY) to advance better outcomes for our community, said LCA-KY/So.IN Chairs Nancy Alvey, Colette McCoy and Goetz Kloecker, MD.  We hope to have unanimous backing from our entire congressional delegation -- and ultimately Congress – so we can end lung cancer as we know it."

The key highlights of the bill require the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.

To read about H.R. 2112 and learn more about Lung Cancer Alliance go to 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.

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance