Local Cancer Action Network Petitions Congress for Increased Research Funding

BRADENTON – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has partnered with Stand Up To Cancer​ for the "One Degree" campaign. The name reflects the idea that we are all "One Degree" from cancer through our family and friends.

ACS CAN says that cutting-edge cancer research at the National Cancer Institute could lead to treatments that have the potential to improve and even save the lives of millions of Americans, with around 50 percent of cancer deaths thought to be avoidable through prevention and early detection programs.

"Cancer research saves lives, yet federal cancer research funding is lower than in 2003, adjusting for inflation,“ said local ACS CAN activist and cancer survivor Nancy Ambrose. "Since Congress holds the purse strings to cancer research funding and prevention, why cut lifesaving funding?“

Ambrose recently delivered 395 signed petitions to Congressman Vern Buchanan, asking for a $1 billion increase to fund the National Cancer Institute over the next two years and for funding for cancer control programs at the Centers for Disease Control.