I can hardly believe 2012 is coming to an end. As the new year approaches, I always like to think back on the accomplishments and significant events of the past 12 months. To say ACS CAN was busy this year is an understatement. We had a great year, and I want to share some of our highlights with you.
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 it's also a time to remember that unfortunately, mammograms are not accessible and affordable to all women.
The public health community lost a tireless and enormously effective champion when Senator Arlen Specter succumbed to cancer on Sunday at the age of 82. I thought it was only appropriate to pay tribute to him by recognizing his unparalleled contributions to the fight against cancer.
To increase awareness of the Prevention Fund's lifesaving impact, ACS CAN released a report last week called Staying Well: Real Stories from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which features 17 stories of state and community programs that depend on the Prevention Fund for their critical work.
If you live in D.C., you might have noticed a new ad today in a Capitol Hill newspaper like National Journal or online on a site such as The Hill's Healthwatch blog. I'm excited to announce that we launched our new advertising campaign today, which asks lawmakers to support legislation introduced last week that would expand access to palliative care.
It goes without question that our nation has made significant progress in the treatment of cancer. Today, we are saving 350 more lives per day than we were in 1990. However, as doctors focus on the treatment of a patient's cancer, the patients' comfort and concerns are frequently overlooked.
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee responsible for funding programs at the NIH and CDC passed a budget proposal that flat lines cancer research and defunds important programs that would improve access to care for families affected by cancer. Needless to say, this is a huge disappointment for cancer patients across the country.
Nearly 150 cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, physicians and researchers are on Capitol Hill today urging their lawmakers to make the fight against cancer a national priority.
To quote John Seffrin, chief executive of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN, today will go down as one of the most important days in the history of the fight against cancer in this country.