9/28/2010
SAN FRANCISCO – September 28, 2010 – National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) commends Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for introducing the Access to Life-Saving Early Detection, Research, and Treatment (ALERT) Act, HR 6224. This legislation, which removes barriers to cancer research, promotes the development of new treatments for those cancers with few treatment options, and encourages the delivery of high quality cancer care, is an important step forward in the effort to improve treatment and quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer.
NBTS supports an innovative program in brain tumor research and provides a wide range of information, support, and educational services to those diagnosed with brain tumors and their friends and families.
"The ALERT Act highlights and addresses some of the most important issues in cancer research, treatment and survivorship and we welcome its introduction," NBTS Executive Director, N. Paul TonThat stated. "NBTS recognizes the importance of a strong federal role in cancer research and care and applauds the work of Representatives Capps and Pallone to enhance the federal cancer effort. A stronger research effort holds promise of bringing better therapies and care to the patients and survivors in the brain tumor community."
Of special importance to NBTS are ALERT Act provisions that would: 1) create greater transparency and efficiency in budgeting for the national cancer effort, 2) encourage research on biomarkers, 3) remove barriers to research on treatments for cancers with limited treatment options and poor outcomes, 4) facilitate cancer care planning at the time of diagnosis and at the beginning of survivorship, and 5) authorize survivorship clinics and services for pediatric cancer survivors.
NBTS looks forward to working with the bill’s sponsors in the remaining days of the 111th Congress and upon the reintroduction of the legislation in the 112th Congress.
