Cancer CANdor Blog

Actress Angelina Jolie published an op-ed in the New York Times today that has caught the eye of the cancer community nationwide.

When Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), inquired about contributing a patient story to a hearing to discuss the progress being made on implementation of insurance market reforms under the ACA, we knew Stacy's story was one the committee needed to hear.

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. represents the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey

I was pleased to hear President Obama mention the need to invest in science and innovation in TuesdayŠ—'s State of the Union address. Cancer patients and survivors nationwide need a renewed commitment from Congress and the administration to fund the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute at levels that keep up with inflation and allow promising research to continue.

To illustrate just how crucial federal funding is for cancer research, ACS CAN released a new report this week, Š—“Catalyst for Cures: How Federally Funded Cancer Research Saves Lives.Š— This report underscores the threat posed by sequestration to future progress in the fight to end death and suffering from cancer by highlighting federally-funded scientists who have discovered new ways to treat specific cancers, including breast cancer, melanoma and lung cancer and the patients who benefited from those advances.

A key government report released last month speaks to the importance of ACS CANŠ—'s work on nutrition. The report, issued by the Federal Trade Commission, looked at how much money the food and beverage industry spends on marketing its products to children and teens.

Dr. Richard L. Deming is a highly inspirational physician and cancer center medical director who serves as a member of the ACS CAN Board of Directors. At our last Board meeting, I had a chance to hear Dr. Deming discuss his recent, incredible journey to Nepal.

ThatŠ—'s right Š—– a device that if used before the age of 35 increases oneŠ—'s likelihood of getting melanoma by 75 percent is classified in the same risk category as your everyday bandage. It goes without saying that this is ludicrous and must be changed.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on those things for which we give thanks. I would like to express my thanks for all of the incredibly talented cancer researchers and health care professionals who are making life better for those with cancer, their families and those at risk.

Breast cancer awareness month is about reminding those we love about the importance of getting recommended screenings to prevent breast cancer. But itŠ—'s also a time to remember that unfortunately, mammograms are not accessible and affordable to all women.