As someone who has been touched by cancer in many ways, I was pleased that President Barack Obama mentioned the importance of cancer research in his State of the Union speech. However, I am highly disappointed that his budget proposal for next year proposed a funding cut for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute.
The future of cancer research is now in the hands of Congress. I understand that in a difficult budget environment, lawmakers must make tough choices about national priorities. But I believe that ending death and suffering from cancer, a disease that kills 1,500 people in America each day, should always remain high on the list.
This nation has made great progress in the fight against cancer through investments in research and prevention programs. However, the only way we can end this disease in our lifetime is if we continue to sustain and increase the current level of funding. Without that investment, groundbreaking research projects that could yield new discoveries face an uncertain future.
I am calling on Congress to reinstate funding for cancer research and prevention programs and truly make cancer a national priority.
Janet Miles, Livermore
Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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