The Long Cold Run

Bush proposes cuts in cancer funding for FY07

The President's administration has proposed a $40 million cut in cancer research for the FY2007 budget. Federal funding of cancer research has declined since 2003, despite the federal government's goal to end all cancer deaths by 2015. In addition to the cuts to cancer research, the administration has also proposed a $1.4 million cut to the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program -- this program provides FREE cancer screenings for low-income and uninsured women. At it's current funding level, the program is only able to assist 1 in 5 women -- a funding increase would be significantly more appropriate (and likely long term cost saving) than a cut to this program.

Private fundraising, while important, can only do so much. Researchers, like those at Dana-Farber, need these valuable federal dollars to find new options for cancer treatment. Without these dollars, the 2015 target for ending deaths from cancer is slipping further and further away. Without free early detection, thousands of women risk more significant and costly treatments (difficult to afford while living in poverty or without healthcare), and what is worse, the lack of early detection will cost some of these women their lives.

Take a moment to contact your government officials. Contact local advocacy groups or Livestrong.org to find out how you can make your voice hear to prevent these cuts.

posted by Jesse @ 9:57 PM