LCA Hails New York State Senate Unanimous Passing of Lung Cancer Early Detection Bill

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

Washington, DC [June 29, 2007] –Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended the New York State Senate for acknowledging the need to provide early detection of lung cancer for those at high risk for the disease.

In the waning hours of the New York legislative session, Senate Bill 5369 was passed unanimously to  establish a state-funded lung cancer early detection research pilot program to catch lung cancer at the earliest and most treatable stage. It is the first time in New York State Senate history that legislation has been passed addressing early disease management of the most lethal cancer. 

“We are so very grateful to Senator Betty Little (R,C,I-Queensbury) and Senator Owen Johnson (R-Babylon), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, for their leadership of this important public health issue. We are losing too many lives to late stage diagnoses. We can and should detect lung cancer earlier,” Said Pam Hicks, Co-Chair LCA-NY and Washington County resident.  “We are also grateful for Senate Majority Leader, Joe Bruno’s (R-Rensselaer) interest in and support of this bill.”

Lung cancer is the nation’s number one cancer killer, causing more deaths than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney cancers and melanoma--combined.  This year, more than 13,000 New Yorkers will be diagnosed and 9,500 will die from the disease, making it the leading cancer killer in the state.

“Even though this action occurred late in the session, we now have a benchmark to build upon in the days and months ahead”, said Phyllis Goldstein, Co-Chair LCA-NY and Albany resident. “The New York State Senate is now on record acknowledging that we can no longer stigmatize and ignore lung cancer.  It is now incumbent upon the Governor and Assembly to do the same and we will work towards that goal.” 

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