I had the privilege of participating in an ACS CAN event in Seattle yesterday that really illustrated the importance of federal funding for cancer research. We partnered with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to emphasize that research funding doesn't just fight cancer, it pours money back into local economies and creates jobs.
The President released his Fiscal Year 2013 budget yesterday, and I was deeply disappointed to see that his proposal cut funding for cancer research. This comes just weeks after the President specifically highlighted the importance of cancer research in his State of the Union address.
ACS CAN is excited to commemorate the day by lighting our Twitter account and engaging our social networks in a conversation about how they can join the fight against cancer. What will you do to mark World Cancer Day?
As a father, I know how attractive tanning beds can seem to youth who want tan skin all year round. My wife strongly discouraged my daughter while she was growing up from using tanning beds because she was concerned about her risk of getting skin cancer. That's why I was fully supportive and very excited about a historic new law California enacted this month that bans the use of tanning beds for those under 18.
Cancer patients and their loved ones from across the nation will gather to watch the address in a live online chat tonight, sending a message to the White House and Congress that funding for medical research and proven prevention programs must be a national priority.
As we observe Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, we should consider his inspiring statement when he said that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are we doing for others?'" Dr. King's work impacted millions of Americans.
After nearly 40 years of volunteer work for the American Cancer Society, I came on board as the ACS CAN Board Chair in November of last year. I'm now directly involved in advocacy more than I've ever been before, and I wanted to share with you some highlights of what we're looking forward to in 2012.
The phrase an ounce of prevention saves lives and money means a lot to me and my family. My wife and I are diligent about talking with our doctors and ensuring we are getting the necessary cancer screenings. All Americans deserve access to these lifesaving tests and other cancer prevention measures, but a public health fund designed to do just that is in jeopardy.
Today, the Senate honored that historic moment by introducing a resolution commemorating the anniversary. The resolution, co-sponsored by Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Bob Casey (D-PA), celebrates the fact that people with cancer stand a far better chance of surviving the disease today than they did 40 years ago.
Today, when consumers pick a health coverage plan they are given a long document filled with complicated jargon that is virtually impossible for them to understand. An important provision in the Affordable Care Act, known as the Summary of Benefits and Coverage provision, was written to change that.