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Breast Cancer Survivors, Activists Head To Capitol Hill to Marshall Support for Comprehensive Cancer Legislation

Members of the Kansas Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure traveled to the nation’s capital June 5 to help make the case for more funding for cancer research and access to screening and treatment. During their meetings with Congressman Dennis Moore, Congressman Todd Tiahrt and legislative aides from the offices of Senator Pat Roberts and Representative Jerry Moran, the delegation discussed the need to energize research and the disparities in access to care that exist, particularly in rural and minority communities.

“Thirty five years after our nation declared war on cancer we are still facing a cancer crisis,” said Teresa Carter, President of the Mid-Kansas Affiliate in Wichita. “Last week’s push on Capitol Hill should help build momentum for an all-out assault on all cancer.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Ambassador René Syle Mid-Kansas Affiliate President Teresa Carter	Activist/Actor Ricardo Chavira with members of the Mid-Kansas Affiliate orginization

The Komen for the Cure delegation joined nearly 300 survivors and activists from 39 states plus the District of Columbia creating a pink wave across over 400 Capitol Hill offices helping to build a foundation of support for comprehensive cancer legislation that will soon be unveiled by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Prior to Senator Kennedy’s recent diagnosis of brain cancer, he chaired a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee that discussed the issues addressed by the bill he and Senator Hutchison are crafting.

The Komen delegation reminded members of Congress that despite the many investments and advancements over the past three decades, 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. Cancer will kill more than a half million people this year – about 1,500 people a day which represents over 1 person per minute.

They also urged Congress to provide a greater government investment in cancer research, placing an emphasis on early detection, and promoting the discovery and development of biomarkers to detect cancers at the earliest possible stage. In addition, investment should be focused on personalized treatments, so early detection can be as easy as a blood test and treatments as non-invasive as an injection. At the same time, they warned Congress not to lose sight of the gaps in access to the detection and treatment options available today that impact the uninsured, underinsured and rural and minority populations.

“While we should be excited about the opportunities for the future and should do everything in our power to discover and deliver the cures, we still must close the gaps that exist today in the State of Kansas to life saving early detection and treatment services for every Kansan,” said Peggy Johnson, Chair, Champions for the Cure and Board Member from the Mid-Kansas Affiliate. “If we don’t, as the science surges, the gaps will only widen.”

Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi , Huwayda Darweesh  & Teresa Carter