Our Journey To Conquer Cancer Needs More Fuel Wednesday, March 1, 2017 by Bruce E. Johnson, M.D., FASCO, President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (NAPSA)—WhenI becamea cancer doctor more than three decades ago, I could not have imagined the dramatic progress we would makein the fight against this disease. We can detect cancer earlier, target treatments moreeffec- tively in many patients, and manage side effects so that patients live longer, better lives. There are more than 15.5 million cancer survivors alive in the United States today. Since 1991, we have avoid- ed 2.1 million cancer-related deaths. That’s 2.1 million sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, parents, children, best friends and loved ones, all alive because we have improved our understanding of cancer—howto prevent andtreatit. Bruce E. Johnson, M.D., FASCO, President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) rare cancers, and comparative effectiveness, which usually are not profitable for companies. Instead, federally fund- ed cancer research serves as the engine of discovery that companies depend on to fuel the development of new drugs— People with cancer are living better and longer, thanks to our nation's investment in cancer research v23* DECLINE IN CANCER DEATH RATE Since a peak in 1991 90+ CANCER DRUGS APPROVED BY THE FDA SINCE 2006 Afi 415.5M INCREASED 5-YEAR SURVIVAL CANCER SURVIVORS 2 out of 3 people with cancer live at least 5 yearsafter diagnosis Up from 11.4 million in 2006 : @ Progress has been possible because of our nation’s extraordinarily generous and enduring commitment to cancer research. Federal funding for cancer research has driven many of the most helping make the United States the global leader in new cancer treatments. Although Congress recently gave advances of the last 50 years, such as momentum. Public investment in can- important prevention and treatment unlocking the major cause of cervical cancer, proving that lung cancer screening can save lives, and helping women survive breast cancer withoutdisfiguring surgery. These advances have been principally supported by government agencies, have changed how wesurvive cancer and have improved millionsoflives. ‘The progress we have made shows us whatis possible to achieve. Cutting-edge science now makes it possible to target treatment to specific cancers, letting patients have long and productivelives. Despite this, some cancers are stubbornly difficult to treat, and cancer re- mains a formidable challenge. Millions of people stand to benefit if we accelerate our progress. Congress is considering how much funding to provide to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which supports the bulkof federally funded cancerresearch. NCIsupports studies that private industry haslittle incentive to conduct, such as research into prevention and screening, a one-time boost for cancer research, this occurred after many years of inadequate support. We need to regain cer research offers hope to millions of people with cancer and their families, who need access to federally funded clinical trials. These often provide patients the best opportunities to access the newest and best treatment options while helping us understand how best to treat everyone. Patients with cancer need the United States to continue its long tradition of leadership in innovation. They need us to pushthe frontiers of knowledge and insight about cancer. ‘They need new treatments made possible by a robust national cancer research system. Many Americans are telling their elected officials to support an increase in federal funding for cancer research. Lawmakers can be reached at www. house.gov and www.senate.gov. Learn More For further facts andstats about federal funding for cancer research and the last 50 years of progress against cancer, go to www.asco.org/nihfunding. --- PHOTOS --- File: 20190731-213521-20190731-213518-85991.pdf.jpg --- FILES --- File: 20190731-213518-85991.pdf