Searching for a Cure and Supporting Cancer Patients
Cancer hits too close to home for too many people. Over the course of our lives, men have a one in two chance of developing cancer, and women have a one in three chance. The physical and emotional impacts of this terrible disease take a tremendous toll on patients, and the families and friends of patients. Cancer is personally devastating and a serious public health challenge.
Fortunately, our doctors and scientists – including many from California’s biotech industry and education centers – have made significant progress in treating and preventing the disease. Groundbreaking discoveries are resulting in effective new treatments that are less invasive and less debilitating. More people are becoming cancer survivors than ever before. The five-year survival rate for cancers diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 rose to 64 percent from just 50 percent for cancers diagnosed between 1974 and 1976.
At the federal level, Congress is determined to keep pushing for breakthroughs by funding the National Cancer Institute, which the nation’s premier agency for cancer research and part of the National Institutes of Health. Last year, Congress provided $5.5 billion for cancer research efforts within NIH. Of that total, $4.7 billion will go toward specific diseases, including breast, lung, cervical and ovarian cancers. On top of funding, Congress recently passed a resolution, which I co-sponsored, that calls for dedicating more resources to preventing, curing and treating childhood cancer. Congress is committed to providing the youngest and most vulnerable cancer patients with more specialized care and more treatment options. Locally, the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte is an important part of NIH’s overall cancer research efforts. Separate from NIH funding, I have been proud to support $18 million in dedicated federal funding since 2002 to back the hospital’s advanced cancer research and programs, including bone marrow transplantation and breast and prostate cancer programs. These funds are also helping City of Hope develop personalized cancer therapies that destroy cancer cells but leave healthy cells unharmed. This will improve the quality of life for cancer patients and avoid many of the life threatening, toxic side effects of some current cancer treatments.
In addition to excellent medical facilities, we are lucky to have local organizations and events dedicated to helping those affected by cancer. On June 24, Walnut held a Relay for Life to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society. At the Walnut High School, I had the privilege of meeting many Foothill residents who have a personal stake in the search for a cure.
While science races to catch up with our hopes, we are inspired by the courage of cancer patients and survivors and deeply appreciative of the support offered by families and communities.
For information on cancer screening, treatment and preventive measures, please visit the following websites:
The National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov
The American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
City of Hope: www.cityofhope.org
