Senators Introduce 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act

Last week, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act/Senate Bill 717. The act would “modernize cancer research, increase access to preventative cancer services” and “provide cancer treatment and survivorship initiatives.”

The “ALERT” in the Act’s title stands for “Access to Life-Saving Early Detection, Research, and Treatment.”

The purpose of the Act would be to reauthorize the National Cancer Institute and National Cancer Program in an effort to improve current cancer research methods. The Act would also work to promote the further study of biomarkers, enhance the clinical trial process, and rework cancer-related medical insurance practices.

A stalwart supporter of the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act, Lance Armstrong, testified at a congressional hearing in May of 2007 and has been working to support the passing of this legislation. Armstrong is a cancer survivor.

Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG Foundation has created a site where people can send a message to legislators in support of the passing of the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act: http://www.livestrong.org/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.4952569/k.3BB5/Contact_Your_Elected_Official/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=khLXK1PxHmF&b=4952569&aid=12102&tr=y&auid=4713848.

If the Act passed, cancer sufferers with all types of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma, would see positive effects.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer, but is always fatal. Despite the lack of a cure, researchers, oncologists and scientists are continuing to make advancements in mesothelioma treatment.