| Cancer Legislation: Making a Difference | |
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1. Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program - If you had to support only one measure, this would be it!
Summary: This is a wonderful research program on a lot of levels, and has been very successful for the five years it has been in place. This specific proposal is for a substantial increase in the funding for the program, from $12 million to $20 million.
Where it is now: Public testimony was held in the House on March 28, 2001. A Dear Colleagues letter was well-supoprted there. Public testimony in the Senate took place on May 23. As of this writing, only 3 Senators have signed the Dear Colleages letter. In the upcoming weeks, the members of the subcommittees will begin discussions on funding levels for the entire Dept of Defense appropriations, including the Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Support is needed NOW on this vital measure.
What you can do: Contact your Senators and request that they to sign on to the Reed/Snowe "Dear Colleague" letter for the DOD's Ovarian Cancer Research Program.
More Info:
Background
Information on the OCRP
Sample
Letter from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
OCNA Testimony at Senate Hearing 5/23/2001 (by Kevin Regan, whose wife died of ovarian cancer in December 2000)
How To Communicate With Your Senator/Representative
2. Access to Cancer Therapies Act of 2001 - H.R. 1624
Summary: Currently, Medicare classifies some oral anti-cancer agents with oral over-the-counter prescriptions, and does not cover them. As defined, many of the new anti-cancer agents now under development would not be covered under Medicare. This bill proposes to change the wording so that all oral anti-cancer drugs are covered in the same manner as IV-administered chemotherapy, under Medicare Part B.
Where it is now: In the House of Representatives Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It needs more co-sponsors.
What you can do: Contact your Representative and request that he or she become a co-sponsor of HR 1692.
More Info:
3. Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments - H.R. 326
Summary: This bill would authorize a large funding increase for ovarian cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It would designate one half the funding for basic cancer research, and the other half for clinical trials and treatment. It also provides for programs for patient and public education.
Where it is now: In the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health. It needs more co-sponsors.
What you can do: Contact your Representative and request that he or she support ovarian cancer research by becoming a co-sponsor of HR 326.
More Info:
Next page > How to Communicate with Your Legislators > Page 1, 2, 3
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Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com
The material on this page and Web site is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not substitute for medical advice. Anyone having questions about the application of information appearing here to a specific person or situation should obtain advice from a qualified physician.