Support the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act

From Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance

On March 26, 2009, a crucial cancer bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate.

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.

Senators Kennedy and Hutchison have made passing the ALERT Act a priority for 2009. We can help rally support in Washington by urging our legislators to cosponsor the legislation and ensure it moves quickly through the Senate and the House, all the way to President Obama's desk.

Click here to urge your Senators to support the ALERT Act from day one!

We all know the harsh realities of cancer:

40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year alone.

Cancer claimed more than 565,000 American lives in 2008 – 1,500 people a day.

But in spite of these staggering figures, funding for research, early detection services, and treatment programs is disappearing. That's why it's so important we seize this opportunity to turn our attention back to fighting this terrible disease.

Ask your Senators to support the Cancer ALERT Act and to make passing the bill a priority now.

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's take advantage of the momentum that has brought the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act this far. Click here to email your Senators TODAY!

Together, we can help make this landmark cancer legislation the law of the land and help reignite the war on cancer!

Sincerely,
Ambassador Nancy Brinker
Founder, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Board Member, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance