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In 1971, the United States declared war on cancer. Despite momentous strides and life-saving advances since then, the fundamental goal of the war - to diminish death and suffering from cancer - has not been realized. Forty percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives; 1.4 million new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Cancer will claim more than 565,000 American lives this year - about 1,500 people a day. And the disease inflicts incalculable physical pain and emotional distress on cancer patients and their families. The U.S. must reinvigorate the war on cancer - we must energize science and remove the barriers to discovering and delivering the cures for cancer.

The 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-saving Early Detection, Research and Treatment) Act - sponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy and Kay Bailey Hutchison - promises to reignite America's war on cancer by strengthening cancer research, emphasizing early detection, and improving cancer care for underserved populations.

ALERT stands for Access to Life-saving Early Detection, Research and Treatment:

Early Detection - The ALERT Act will place an emphasis on early detection and promote the discovery and development of biomarkers to detect cancers at the earliest possible stage when cancer is most treatable. The bill also has a particular focus on childhood, rare, and high-mortality cancers.

Research - The ALERT Act will strengthen the cancer research process 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 - The ALERT Act will improve access to cancer care for underserved populations by expanding access to clinical trials, patient navigation services, and screening and treatment for colorectal cancer.

Let your Senators know you support the ALERT Act. Urge them to co-sponsor the bill, if they haven't already, and to move it quickly to a vote!

Labels: alert act, cancer