 |
|||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 | |||||||||
| Cancer Policy News | ||||
| Friends Press Releases | ||||
Monthly
Newsletter
|
The Capitol Hill Files
The Senate Cancer
Coalition and The House Cancer Caucus:
Fighting Cancer On The Hill
|
This past month, Friends of Cancer Research interviewed the offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who is a co-chair of the Senate Cancer Coalition, and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who is a co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus. These two women and the organizations they help lead, work in a bipartisan manner to educate their fellow members about cancer issues and promote policies beneficial to cancer patients and researchers. Friends of Cancer Research would like to thank the leaders and members of these organizations and encourage others to sign up. In fact, the Senate Cancer Coalition is presently recruiting new members. The interviews consisted of basic questions about each organization’s mission, membership, history, accomplishments, current priorities, and future goals. enate Cancer CoalitionHouse Cancer Caucus
Senate Cancer Coalition What is the Senate Cancer Coalition and who comprises it? The Senate Cancer Coalition is a bipartisan task force of senators who have a strong interest in cancer research, education, prevention and treatment. When was the Coalition created, and what are some historic accomplishments the Coalition has been involved with in terms of events/legislation? Formed in 1994, the Cancer Coalition was originally co-chaired by Senator Connie Mack (R-Fla.) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). In 2000, Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) replaced Senator Mack as co-chair when he retired. Senators Feinstein and Brownback have worked very closely for several years on cancer issues. Currently, the Coalition is actively recruiting members. In the 108th Congress, the Coalition enjoyed the bipartisan support of Senators Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Zell Miller (D-Ga.), Jim Talent (R-Mo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). Each year, the Senate Cancer Coalition holds several hearings to receive expert testimony from leaders of the cancer community on a wide range of issues involving cancer. We structure these meetings in the form of Congressional hearings and we invite all other Senators to attend and ask questions of our witnesses. The Coalition offers a forum for issues that cut across several Senate Committees’ jurisdictions. Although the Coalition cannot write or modify legislation, our hearings focus on the latest issues facing cancer detection, treatment, research and prevention. For example, in 2003, the Coalition heard testimony from leading cancer researcher Dr. Brian Druker, who discovered Gleevec, which is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, and Fran Drescher, actress, cancer survivor and advocate. (3) What are the Coalition's current priorities and future goals? Cancer is now the leading cause of death for Americans 85 years of age and younger. In the U.S., 1 of every 4 deaths is from cancer. Last year, cancer claimed about 563,700 Americans and about 1.4 million new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed. The reality is cancer impacts everyone. Everyone knows someone who has had cancer or will have cancer. Thirty years ago a cancer diagnosis was a death sentence. However, that is not the case today. In fact, current statistics suggest that for individuals who receive a diagnosis today, more than 60 percent can expect to be alive in 5 years. We live in an exciting and promising time in cancer research and have great hope for finding a cure for cancer in our lifetime. This year, the Senate Cancer Coalition will look at new and emerging technologies in the treatment and detection of cancer and will continue to examine the future of cancer research in the genomic era and what we can do to improve access to cancer prevention and treatment. (4) Is there anything else you would like to share with us/the cancer community regarding the Senate Cancer Coalition? In addition to the Coalition, Senator Feinstein is vice-chair of C-Change: Collaborating to Conquer Cancer, whose mission is to leverage the combined expertise and resources of its more than 130 Members to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem at the earliest possible time. She is also the lead sponsor of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, which has raised more than $42 million for breast cancer research and has also worked on comprehensive legislation to create a national battle plan to modernize and re-energize the nation’s war on cancer for the past several years. Senator Feinstein remains committed to doing everything possible to increase cancer research and speed the discovery and application of new cancer treatments to find cures. (1) What is the House Cancer Caucus and who comprises it? The House Cancer Caucus is a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives comprised of approximately 80 Members of Congress and chaired by Reps. Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Lois Capps (D-CA), and Steve Israel (D-NY). The caucus works to educate Members of Congress about the many issues surrounding cancer and to advance federal policies that further cancer research; improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; and enhance the quality of life of cancer patients. Sadly, the devastation of cancer in our society is overwhelming. Nearly every single American has a family member or friend who has been stricken by cancer, or has undertaken this battle themselves. Many members of the caucus have their own stories and many are using their fervor and passion to work within their capacities to help reduce the devastating burden of cancer in America and throughout the world. (2) When was the Caucus created, and what are some historic accomplishments the Caucus has been involved with in terms of events/legislation? The caucus was created in the early 1990s by a bipartisan group of Members of Congress. While the caucus does not advocate on behalf of particular legislation, the group serves as a resource for Members of Congress and their staff to find out information on current cancer policy, potential changes to current policy, as well as contact information for cancer organizations, the National Cancer Institute, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies. The Caucus also works with cancer advocacy organizations and interested individuals to set up educational briefings on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and staff. The caucus also highlights legislative accomplishments of the Congress. For example, last year, as part of the new Medicare Prescription Drug law, Congress directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to initiate a program that would give seniors with cancer access to life-saving oral anti-cancer medications. This provision was based on legislation that was introduced in the House and Senate for several congressional sessions. Enactment of this new program marked a significant victory for cancer patients, advocacy groups, and lawmakers. Seniors fighting cancer now have access to the breakthrough oral medications they need to fight cancer and stay cancer-free. Upon enactment of this provision, the House Cancer Caucus provided information to all Members of Congress to share with their constituents about how those fighting cancer could access information on this new program. (3) What are the Caucus's current priorities and future goals? Progress is being made in the War on Cancer, but not fast enough. Each and every day, scientists are working in labs across the world to conduct innovative, breakthrough research. That research is being translated through treatment to patients across the country, often via clinical trials. The caucus looks forward to continuing to work with Members of Congress, advocacy groups, and the Administration to educate legislators and their constituents about advancements in cancer research and treatment, as well as strengthen current policies and initiate new policies to improve prevention, treatment, and awareness efforts in the fight against cancer. (4) Is there anything else you would like to share with us/the cancer community regarding the House Cancer Caucus? The House Cancer Caucus is always looking for new educational briefings to help set up on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and their staff to attend. There is so much to learn about the progress being made, as well as the challenges that exist, in fighting the War on Cancer. Members and staff have a desire to learn about these efforts and from what they learn they can strengthen current policies and initiate new policies to improve diagnosis, increase access to new treatments, and build awareness. |
|
|
|
|
Home | Site Map | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Jobs and Internships | Sign-Up | Contribute
FRIENDS of Cancer Research is a 501c(3) non-profit organization; all contributions are tax-deductible. ©2003 FRIENDS of Cancer Research. All Rights Reserved.