LCA News:

Lung Cancer Alliance Commends Leadership of MA State Senate

First-ever State Funded Lung Cancer Research Bill Given Hearing in Joint Committee on Revenue

Washington, D.C. [March 13, 2008]--Today, Lung Cancer Alliance praised the efforts of State Senator Susan Fargo for helping shepherd first – ever lung cancer research funding bill through the Massachusetts State Senate Committee on Revenue.  Senate Bill #2454 would establish a “trust fund”, known as the Commonwealth Lung Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Research Fund, which would be funded by a percentage of the cigarette tax and would support research grants for early detection and treatment.

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women nationally and in Massachusetts”, said Senator Fargo.  “This year alone 3,360 Massachusetts residents will succumb to this disease.  This is unacceptable, and it is time that we addressed this public health epidemic with the compassion and support it rightly deserves.  I am confident that Massachusetts can and will lead the way.

Dozens filled the committee room to testify or submitted letters in support of the legislation.  “No one deserves lung cancer”, said Diane Legg, a survivor and State Co-Chairwoman of Lung Cancer Alliance – Massachusetts (LCA-MA).  “This is one of the most exciting days for me since my lung cancer diagnosis.  Fortunately my lung cancer was caught early -- which is why helping others at risk detect and treat their lung cancer earlier – is absolutely critical.   Thank you, Senator Fargo for your leadership on this issue.”

Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined.  Over 70% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed at late stage which accounts for its low five year survival rate of 15%.  In addition, 60% of those now diagnosed quit smoking decades ago or never smoked at all. 

“It makes no difference whether you smoked or not,” said Joanne O’Connor, who lost her sister to lung cancer and is LCA-MA State Co-Chairwoman.  “What matters is that lung cancer is a disease and no longer should be ignored or stigmatized.  Too many are dying needlessly because of the lack of more robust early detection and treatment programs.” 

The Joint Committee on Revenue will have until March 19th to act on the bill.  The bill will proceed to the Ways and Means Committee if ruled upon favorably.  LCA-MA will continue to collaborate with all other public health leaders, including the American Lung Association of New England, to advance this ground breaking legislation.

LCA and LCA-MA would also like to take this opportunity for thanking all of those who submitted live and written testimony.  Representatives from the lung cancer community across the state and the region showed their support and for that we are grateful.  Lives will be saved.

The following MA citizens testified in person and attended the hearing on Wednesday, March 12th:

Senator Susan C. Fargo (D-3rd Middlesex), Sponsor of S2454

Representative Denise Provost (D-27th Middlesex)

Representative Kathi-Ann Rienstein (16th-Suffolk)

Joanne O’Connor (LCA-MA Co-Chair)

Diane Legg (LCA-MA Co-Chair)

Priscilla Dewey Houghton (LCA Board Member)

Meryl Bralower

Barbara Betzger

Kevin Brumett

Terry Guiney

Tyler Guan

Laurie Irwin

Dr. Francine Jacobson, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

AnnMarie Leary

Deidre Malloy

Robin McManus

Edward Miller (VP of Public Policy, American Lung Association—New England)

Eileen Pramberg

Dennis Reilly

Robert Young

Susan Zucker

The following MA citizens and organizations submitted written testimony and letters of support:

Deborah Morosini, MD (LCA Board Member)

Michele Bokun

Beverly Burke

Stacy Collaruso

Alice Cutler

Lauren Digange

Jean Emerson

Chris Harlow

ira Hart

Mary W. Heller

Dr. Tyler Jacks, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Dr. Pasi Janne, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Bruce Johnson, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Carla Kim, Children’s Hospital

Susan Lane

Dr. Christopher Lathan, Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Member of LCA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board)

Betsy Lister

Gail Matthews

Robin Schell

Karen Tiernan

Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

Massachusetts Hospital Association