Statement By American Cancer Society Chairman of the National Board of Directors H. Fred Mickelson on the President's Budget

2/4/2002

From: Unice Lieberman of The American Cancer Society, 202-661-5711, 202-549-0095 (cell); e-mail: Unice.Lieberman@cancer.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health agency, today issued the following statement from H. Fred Mickelson, Chairman of the Board of National Directors, on the President's budget.

"We applaud President Bush's personal and professional commitment to the fight against cancer. In the last few months we have witnessed this country step up to lead the world in the war on terrorism. Congress now faces a budget battle on all fronts. It is imperative once again that the United States not retreat from its role as the leader in the world not only of cancer research and treatment, but also in biomedical research overall.

"Cancer is the nation's number one health concern and the second leading cause of death. We owe our citizens our continued best effort on the cancer front. The American Cancer Society encourages Members of Congress to follow the President's lead and stay committed to initiatives which will help eliminate cancer as a public health problem and advance the cause of biomedical research as a whole."

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at http://www.cancer.org