LCA-NY Urges Legislators to Support Lung Cancer Research

in the State Budget

Adovocates Urge New York State to Fund Early Disease Management Research

New York City, NY [March 28, 2007] – Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-New York (LCA-NY) is urging New York State legislators to support funding for lung cancer early detection and research initiatives.  This is the first effort to secure state resources to address early disease management of lung cancer in New York.  The legislature is currently finalizing its plans for the 2008 budget.

“I commend the tireless efforts of our New York advocates,” said Laurie Fenton, President Lung Cancer Alliance. “They have accomplished so much by elevating long overdue awareness for lung cancer, the most ignored and under funded of all major cancers.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths nationally and in New York State, claiming more lives this year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers – combined.  This year approximately 13,390 New Yorkers will be diagnosed with lung cancer and an estimated 9,500 will die from the disease.  Over 70 percent will be diagnosed at late stage, accounting for the low 15 percent five-year-survival-rate.

“We are heartened by the interest shown by key state officials to work with us to more adequately address the needs of our community,” said Pat O’Connell, LCA-NY State Chair.  “To fully respond to this public health crisis, funding for research and early detection programs must be coupled with support for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, particularly when 60 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer quit smoking decades ago or never smoked at all.”

Over the past year, members of LCA-NY have met with officials from Governor Spitzer’s office, the Majority and Minority Leaders in the State Senate and Assembly, key legislators on the Senate Health and Finance Committees and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee to advocate funding for lung cancer research and early detection.

“We will not stop our efforts, spearheaded by LCA-NY advocates Phyllis Goldstein and Pam Hicks, until lung cancer is viewed with compassion and support no different than any other major cancer.  We hope the legislature acts favorably this session,” concluded O’Connell. 

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