Celebration on the Hill

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American Cancer Society
2006 Federal Priorities

Each year, more than 560,000 people die from cancer in the United States—one of every four deaths. But today, people are increasingly living with cancer rather than dying from it—a testament to our nation’s investment in biomedical research and cancer prevention, early detection and care. In fact, today there are more than 10 million Americans living with a history of cancer.

Since 1991, the death rate due to cancer has actually declined resulting in prevention of more than 320,000 deaths between 1991 and 2002. Just recently, the American Cancer Society announced that for the first time in the 70 years of tracking cancer data, the actual number of cancer deaths is declining.

This trend could be greatly accelerated. Cancer is one of the most preventable and increasingly curable life-threatening diseases if detected early. Most cancer suffering and death occurring today is needless. Yet despite the fact that cancer cost the nation $210 billion in 2005, we spent less than $5 billion ($16 per American) fighting a disease that affects almost half the population.

Learn about our Legislative Agenda

CALL TO ACTION

There are no action alerts at this time. However, please check this page or www.acscan.org frequently as we prepare to begin the next phase of our effort to increase funding for cancer research and programs.

2006 Legislative Asks

Celebration on the Hill, and the activities leading up to it, provides a unique opportunity for the American Cancer Society to promote some of our most important legislative priorities to Members of Congress.

Throughout the year, American Cancer Society staff and volunteers regularly communicate with Members of Congress on our issues. However, Celebration on the Hill will raise the profile of our issues in a way that no other event in American Cancer Society history has ever done.

The Bush Administration previously announced a goal to “eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by 2015.” Last year, in response to that stated goal, your American Cancer Society asked Members of Congress to sign a letter supporting the 2015 goal and telling President Bush they stand ready to make that goal a reality. Ninety-two U.S. Senators and 280 U.S. Representatives signed the letter.

Learn more about our 2006 Legislative Asks