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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy: Cancer Advocate

Senator Edward Kennedy was a leading political advocate for cancer research. Among other accolades he received during his distinguished career Kennedy was recognized by the American Cancer Society in 2008 with their Medal of Honor, bestowed upon Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer.

Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008, and throughout his treatments he remained dedicated to universal health care, which he called “the cause of my life,” and to finding a way to fund research to eradicate cancer. Kennedy passed away on August 25, 2009.

The Lion of the Senate

Kennedy was first elected in 1962, and after being re-elected eight times, he served 46 years in the U.S. Senate. At the time of his death, he was the second most senior member of the Senate, and the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history.

Kennedy became known as “The Lion of the Senate” through his long tenure and influence. Kennedy sponsored or co-wrote over 300 bills that became law. His focus during his terms was on the American people and he played a major role in passing bills concentrating on cancer research, health insurance, AIDS care, civil rights, mental health benefits, and children’s health insurance.

Kennedy also dedicated his time to revolutionizing immigration laws. He was known for his ability to reach across the political boundaries and form alliances to garner Republican support in his efforts. Kennedy took the time to build support and was known for being fair in his negotiations. Due to his legislation covering a wide variety of issues in 2006 Time magazine indicated that his work has touched every “man, woman and child in the country.”

Personal Cancer Battle

Senator Kennedy and his family were personally affected by cancer when his son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. lost a leg to bone cancer in his early teens. In addition, his daughter Kara Kennedy Allen has been battling lung cancer since 2003. The senator was avid in finding the best medical treatment available to them.

Kennedy himself was diagnosed with malignant glioma, a type of brain tumor, after suffering several seizures in 2008. About 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with the cancer each year. Kennedy chose aggressive treatment and underwent surgery as well as receiving both radiation and chemotherapy.

Cancer Advocate

The American Cancer Society said that Kennedy was “truly one of the great champions in this battle to fight cancer” and that Kennedy has “led a passionate effort against this disease.” ACS cited the following as some of the bills and causes that Kennedy championed throughout his career:

  • Led the passage of the National Cancer Act – the law authorized increased funding for federal cancer research which has grown to more than $4billion per year.
  • Fought for cancer-related issues such as tobacco control, patient navigator funding, and cancer prevention and early detection
  • Co-sponsored a resolution designating National Mammography Day in October
  • Co-sponsored a resolution designating September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
  • Co-sponsor of the original legislation for the 1992 Mammography Quality Standards Act
  • Helped introduce the reauthorization bill to evaluate screening programs
  • Co-sponsored legislation to help uninsured Native American women suffering from breast and cervical cancer benefit from federal and state resources for treatment
  • He worked to improve access to colon cancer screenings and supported research and education related to blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma