Members of the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure traveled to the nation’s capital in June to help make the case for more funding for cancer research and access to screening and treatment.  During their meetings with Senator Sherrod Brown, and Representatives Dennis Kucinich, Betty Sutton, Steve LaTourette and Ralph Regula, the delegation discussed the need to energize research and the disparities in access to care that exist, particularly in rural and minority communities.

The Northeast Ohio delegation joined nearly 300 survivors and activists from 39 states plus the District of Columbia creating a pink wave across over 400 Capitol Hill offices helping to build a foundation of support for comprehensive cancer legislation that will soon be unveiled by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX).

The Komen delegation reminded members of Congress that despite the many investments and advancements over the past three decades, 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, including approximately 1.4 million new cases this year alone.  Cancer will kill more than a half million people this year – about 1,500 people a day.  

They also called on Congress to:

•    Support a greater government investment in cancer research
•    Place a greater emphasis on early detection
•    Promote the discovery and development of biomarkers to detect cancers earlier  
•    Address gaps in access to the detection and treatment options available today that impact the uninsured, underinsured and rural and minority populations. 

Lobby Day is part of an ongoing collaborative relationship with members of Congress aimed at addressing important breast health issues that impact Northeast Ohio.

Read more about Komen’s work on vital breast cancer issues.