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  • Home > Blog > Featured Story > Recognition of National Cancer Act Brings Awareness to Government Funding Critical to Mesothelioma Research
Posted on Thursday, Nov 24, 2011

Recognition of National Cancer Act Brings Awareness to Government Funding Critical to Mesothelioma Research

Mesothelioma, a rare cancer diagnosed in close to 3,000 Americans each year, is a serious lung disease primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.  Treatment for mesothelioma typically involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, although the cancer is resistant to many of the standard drugs.  Currently there is no known cure for the disease, however, researchers continue to seek the breakthrough that can mean the difference between life and death to mesothelioma patients.  

Research is expensive, but thanks to the National Cancer Act, the federal government has continued to fund cancer research, which, according to government estimates, has grown to more than $4 billion per year and funds the work of more than 325,000 researchers and research personnel at more than 3,000 universities, medical schools, medical centers, teaching hospitals, small businesses, and research institutions in every state.   

Now, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Kerry (D-Mass.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) want to recognize the value of this cancer research and have presented a resolution to congress to honor the 40th anniversary of the National Cancer Act that was signed into law in December 1971. 

The resolution states:
“Be it resolved that the Senate celebrates and reaffirms the commitment embodied in the National Cancer Act of 1971, specifically, that support for cancer research continues to be a national priority to address the scope of this pressing public health concern.” 

One of the newest area government research dollars support is in the area of genetic research.  By identifying specific biomarkers, researchers could find an effective detection method, treatment, or cure for mesothelioma and other cancers.  

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s leading professional organization representing doctors who care for people with cancer, supports this resolution and is asking the public to send a message to their senators asking them “to show their commitment to advancing cancer research and co-sponsor the resolution.” 

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation states, “funding for research is key to the development of new treatments and learning how to target the appropriate patient care.” Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health announced potential budget cuts that could impact mesothelioma research.  Hopefully, this resolution will prevent that and will also alert congress to the importance of continuing to offer funds to mesothelioma and other cancer researchers.