American Cancer Society Reaction to the President's Budget; Statement by Daniel E. Smith

2/2/2004

From: Unice Lieberman of the American Cancer Society, 202-661-5711; e-mail:[email protected]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- Following is a statement of Daniel E. Smith, national vice president, federal and state government relations: "The Administration's proposed budget threatens to turn the past few years' fountain of progress in cancer research into a slow drip as the National Institutes of Health is slated for an increase that barely outpaces inflation for the second year in a row. This is unacceptable to millions of cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

"President Bush said it best: 'In order to win the war against cancer, we must fund the war against cancer.' (Sept. 18, 2002) Since the National Cancer Act of 1971, we have nearly doubled the percentage of people who survive cancer. Today more than 9 million Americans are cancer survivors. Those hopeful results are the product of sustained investment in research and a national commitment to defeating cancer. In fact, according to the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB), the NIH has experienced an average annual growth rate of eight percent over the past 30 years. The increase proposed by the Administration flies in the face of three decades of strong bipartisan support for furthering medical progress.

"Cancer is the nation's most feared disease and the second leading cause of death.

"We need to change the equation. More than 1.3 million new cancer patients plus 560,000 deaths minus no money for new research grants doesn't add up. The American Cancer Society is redoubling our commitment to convincing policymakers that we must do more to fund life-saving research. We hope the president and Congress will work with us to get this budget back on track and put us on the road to saving lives. We cannot afford to weaken our resolve and diminish our focus."

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1- 800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org.