LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE HAILS NEW YORK STATE LEADERSHIP ON

LUNG CANCER ISSUES

First-Ever Legislation Establishes Early Detection Program for Those at Risk for the Disease

Washington, DC [April 27, 2007] –Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization solely dedicated to support and advocacy for people with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease, praised the New York State Senate and Assembly for their groundbreaking work to establish a state-funded lung cancer early detection research pilot program to catch lung cancer at the earliest and most treatable stage.  The bills would provide 10 million dollars in grants to fund public and non-profit private entities doing such research benefiting those at high risk of lung cancer. 

“Today is a special day for New York’s lung cancer community,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President Lung Cancer Alliance.  “It is the first time ever that the legislature is addressing the importance of detecting lung cancer early.”

Ambrose highly commended Senator Betty Little (R,C,I-Queensbury) and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-98th District) for their leadership on lung cancer issues and for crafting the proposals introduced as Senate Bill 5369 and Assembly Bill 7803 in the Senate Finance and Assembly Health Committees.

“We’ve seen the benefit of programs that increase awareness and encourage more screening for other forms of cancer, but we’ve not had this type of emphasis on lung cancer," said Senator Little.  "Early detection saves lives.  This legislation is a great step in the right direction and it will have tremendous benefits for many New Yorkers.”

Said Assemblywoman Gunther about the bill: "Early detection gives those stricken with cancer the best chance to beat the disease.  Because lung cancer is so hard to detect, it's important that people are screened for it in advance of any symptoms. It’s one of the first things nurses learn – preventive, proactive care keeps people healthy. This legislation will save lives by ensuring that high-risk individuals have the opportunity to get screened and begin treatment as early as possible."

These early detection programs will enhance research into all aspects of early detection and disease management, the incorporation of technological advances in imaging and the development of computer assisted diagnostic tools, and shall include the provision of appropriate referral and case management for the medical treatment of individuals screened. 

“Lung cancer will kill 9,500 New Yorkers this year, making it the number one cancer killer in the state,” said Pam Hicks, Co-Chair LCA-NY and Granville, Washington County resident.  “We are losing more people in New York State each year to lung cancer than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.”

 “Only 15 percent of lung cancer patients will live five years,” said Phyllis Goldstein, Co-Chair LCA-NY and Albany resident, “as compared to the 88 percent of breast cancer patients and the 99% of prostate cancer patients.  This is because there are usually no symptoms until the disease has already advanced to such a late stage that most patients die within months of diagnosis.  The only way to change this is through early detection,” she said.

"We now have a broad based coalition in the New York State Senate and Assembly willing to bring compassion and support for a disease so stigmatized and neglected,” concluded Fenton Ambrose.

The Lung Cancer Alliance (www.LungCancerAlliance.org) is the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to patient support and advocacy for people living with, or at risk for, lung cancer.  Lung Cancer Alliance position on screening.

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