Cancer Organizations Honor Congressmen for Cancer Research Advocacy

ASCO joined three other organizations on May 7 to honor U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) for their support of cancer research. With the American Association for Cancer Research, Association of American Cancer Institutes, and Friends of Cancer Research, ASCO lauded the lawmakers’ leadership on supporting the nation’s investment in biomedical research.

Both members of Congress said the work of ASCO and its members has been important in continuing to support federal funding for cancer research. Read their comments at www.asco.org/advocacy/cancer-organizations-honor-sen-harkin-and-rep-dent-research-advocacy

The awards program was held the day before a cancer research advocacy day during which scientists, clinicians, and research advocates spoke to members of Congress and staff about how the federal investment in research sustains progress in the fight against cancer and provides economic benefits for the nation. The cancer organizations are advocating for at least $32 billion in federal funding for the National Institutes of Health for fiscal year 2015. ■