NBCC President Calls for $175 Million Appropriation for FY04 DoD Breast Cancer Research Program; Excerpts of Senate Testimony 5/15/2003
From: Stephanie Sherman of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, 202-973-0569 WASHINGTON, May 15 -- President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fran Visco testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense today. Visco called on the committee to support a $175 million appropriation for fiscal year (FY) 2004. In 1992, NBCC brought about the development of an unprecedented multi-million dollar breast cancer research project within the Department of Defense that has attracted more than 9,300 research proposals. Federal funding for this program since its inception in 1991 has reached more than $1 billion. Excerpts from Visco's testimony are included below: "The DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program's (BCRP) decade of progress in the fight against breast cancer has been made possible by this Committee's investment in breast cancer research. To continue this unprecedented progress, we ask that you support a $175 million appropriation for fiscal year (FY) 2004. The program was cut back from $175 million to $150 million two years ago as part of an across-the-board cut in Congressionally directed health programs. However, there continues to be excellent science that goes unfunded which is why we believe that the BRCP should be appropriated $175 million for FY 2004. "In the span of only ten years, the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program has established itself as model medical research program, respected throughout the cancer community for its innovative and accountable approach. This program is both innovative, and incredibly streamlined. Because there is no bureaucracy, the program is able to quickly respond to what is currently happening in the scientific community. It is able to fill gaps, with little fuss. It is responsive, not just to the scientific community, but also to the public. In addition, an inherent part of this program has been the inclusion of consumer advocates at every level, which has created an unprecedented working relationship between advocates and scientists, and ultimately led to new avenues of research in breast cancer. "The BCRP research portfolio is comprised of many different types of projects, including support for innovative ideas, infrastructure building to facilitate clinical trials, and training breast cancer researchers. Despite the enormous successes and advancements in breast cancer research made through funding from the DOD BCRP, we still do not know what causes breast cancer, how to prevent it, or how to cure it. It is critical that innovative research through this unique program continues so that we can move forward toward eradicating this disease. "The outcomes of the BCRP-funded research can be gauged, in part, by the number of publications, abstracts/presentations, and patents/licensures reported by awardees, to date. There have been 2,300 publications in scientific journals, 1,800 abstracts and 30 patents/licensure applications. "The 1997 IOM review of the DOD Peer-Review Breast Cancer Research Program commended the program and stated that, 'the program fills a unique niche among public and private funding sources for cancer research. It is not duplicative of other programs and is a promising vehicle for forging new ideas and scientific breakthroughs in the nation's fight against breast cancer.' "The National Breast Cancer Coalition is strongly committed to the DOD program in every aspect, as we truly believe it is one of our best chances at finding cures and preventions for breast cancer. NBCC asks you, the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, to recognize the importance of what you have initiated. What you have done is set in motion an innovative and highly efficient approach to fighting the breast cancer epidemic. What you must do now is continue to support this effort by funding research that will help us win this very real and devastating war against a cruel enemy." The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is a grassroots organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy. The Coalition's main goals are to increase federal funding for breast cancer research and collaborate with the scientific community to implement new models of research; improve access to high quality health care and breast cancer clinical trials for all women; and expand the influence of breast cancer advocates in all aspects of the breast cancer decision making process. For more information and the full version of Fran Visco's testimony, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org |