The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act

On March 26, Senators Edward M. Kennedy and Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act on Capitol Hill. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is deeply supportive of both Senators' efforts to improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of those patients affected by cancer, and reduce the devastation cancer inflicts upon families and loved ones. 
 
The legislation is a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and detection, research and treatment. It invests in cancer research infrastructure and improves collaboration among existing efforts. Prevention and early detection for those most at risk are emphasized through support for innovative initiatives and new technologies such as biomarkers. The legislation addresses the need to increase enrollment in clinical research by increasing access and removing barriers to patients' participation in clinical trials. The bill also includes a plan designed to improve care for cancer survivors. Additional provisions regarding prevention and screening initiatives will increase access to care for underserved populations and reduce the burden of disease and cost of healthcare to the nation.
 
The PCF supports this important bipartisan measure and is proud to have provided strategic input to this legislation.  Dr. Jonathan Simons, PCF’s president and CEO, along with the PCF team look forward to continuing their work with Senators Kennedy and Hutchison to advance cancer research, prevention and treatment. 

Houston Chronicle Op-Ed:
Now's Time to Reinvigorate Country's War on Cancer     
By United States Senators Edward M. Kennedy & Kay Bailey Hutchison
 
Cancer is a relentless disease. It doesn't discriminate between men and women, wealthy or poor, the elderly or the young. In 2008, more than 1.4 million Americans were diagnosed with some form of the disease. If it wasn't you, it may have been a spouse or sibling, a parent or a child, a friend or a coworker. We, too, have known the challenges of cancer diagnoses for ourselves or our family members or friends. And while there are many stories of survival, this disease still takes far too many lives. More than half a million Americans lost their battle with cancer last year.

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