Local Breast Cancer Survivors and Advocates Join Hundreds from Across the Country to Press for Renewed War on Cancer

Advocates Press Congress on
Health Care Access, Education and Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 29, 2009 Members of the Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure traveled to the nation’s capital April 30, to join nearly 300 Komen for the Cure advocates from across the country to call on Congress to reignite the nation’s war on cancer. While on Capitol Hill for the day, the Tyler Affiliate delegation met with Louie Gohmert, Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn.

“It’s been more than 35 years since our nation first declared war on cancer, and yet we are still facing a significant cancer crisis,” said Tomi Ellis, Tyler Affiliate board president “This week’s push on Capitol Hill should impress upon our elected leaders that the time to renew our commitment to this fight has come.”

The Komen advocates noted that cancer will claim the lives of more than a half million people this year about 1,500 people a day. In all, 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, including approximately 1.4 million new cases this year alone.

In addition to pushing for a greater investment in cancer research, the delegation highlighted two recently introduced bills the 21st Century Cancer ALERT ACT and the Breast Cancer EARLY Act that tackle the cancer crisis in several important ways, which together will help save lives and get us closer to discovering and delivering the cures to cancer.

Introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Diane Feinstein (D-CA), the Cancer ALERT Act, which stands for Access to Life-saving Early Detection, Research and Treatment, focuses on:

• Early Detection, by placing an emphasis on access to early detection tools available today and promoting the discovery and development of biomarkers to detect cancers in the future at the earliest possible stage when cancer is most treatable.
• Research, by promoting public-private partnerships and collaboration between government agencies. The bill also has a focus on translational research so new discoveries and breakthroughs in the laboratory make their way to patients’ bedsides as quickly as possible.
• Treatment, by expanding access to clinical trials, patient navigation services, and screening and treatment for colorectal cancer, which together will improve access to cancer care for underserved populations.

The Breast Cancer EARLY Act, which stands for Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young, is an effort to inspire young women to take control of their breast health. Introduced recently by Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, who unveiled her own story of survival, and numerous co-sponsors, the EARLY Act will initiate an aggressive public education campaign about breast cancer and women under age 40 with an emphasis on women at higher risk due to their race, ethnicity or genetic heritage. Komen for the Cure supports this bill as part of its ongoing effort at promoting overall breast self awareness (BSA).

For more information about the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure® visit www.komentyler.org or call the local affiliate office at 903 561-6992.

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Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tyler Affiliate joined other Texas Affiliates in a visit to Capitol Hill. The trip included a visit to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson's office.