C3 Supports California Legislation to Screen Underserved Communities

California Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas has introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 2339: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Program) which, if passed and funded, will provide infrastructure for screening programs for underserved communities.  This critical legislation will be introduced in the State Assembly later this month.

C3 supports this legislation, and thanks Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas for his efforts.

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 10th, 2006
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House of Representatives Delays Budget Vote

The House has adjourned for their two-week spring recess without voting on the 2007 budget resolution.  According to the April 7 Los Angeles Times, “Opposition to the budget among Republican moderates and a power struggle between a faction of conservatives and the GOP-controlled Appropriations Committee forced party leaders to either pull the measure or suffer a humiliating defeat.”

Additional information:  April 7 2006 Kaiser Family Foundation Daily Health Report

The House budget proposed significant cuts to health and education, including funding for cancer research and prevention programs.  The Senate budget restored funding to these critical programs with the Specter-Harkin Amendment. 

Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced an amendment that would restore funding in the House budget; this amendment was defeated.  Representative Mike Castle (R-DE) introduced a similar amendment; however, the House adjourned without acting on the proposal.

Why does this matter?

House members are hearing from voters who are unhappy with proposals to cut programs such as cancer research and prevention.  The phone calls, emails and faxes from thousands of constituents are having an impact!

So stay tuned.  Once Congress is back from their Spring Break, we will need everyone’s help to keep up the momentum!

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 8th, 2006
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C3 thanks Representative Rosa DeLauro

Representative Rosa DeLauro, a survivor of ovarian cancer, raised critical questions at the House Labor, Health and Human Services committee meeting around a critical translational research program.

During her questions, Rep. DeLauro identified the critical role of organ site-specific translational research which is occurring in NCI’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) programs. The SPORE programs offer a unique opportunity for “team science” that includes basic scientists with clinical researchers, and moves treatments from the laboratory to people.

C3 thanks Representative DeLauro for her leadership!

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 7th, 2006
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Amgen submits a Biologic License Application (BLA) to the FDA for panitumumab

Amgen announced today, April 3, 2005, that they have submitted a Biologic License Application (BLA) to the FDA for panitumumab for use in metastatic colorectal cancer where all current standard treatments have failed.

Previously they had announced the results of a Phase III clinical trial that compared panitumumab used as a single agent to best supportive care alone in colorectal cancer patients whose cancers had progressed on standard therapy.  In that trial, there was a significant improvement in progression-free survival in patients who received panitumumab.

The trial will be discussed today at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research  (AACR).

Posted by Kate Murphy on April 3rd, 2006
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CR Magazine launched at the AACR Annual Meeting

AACR 97th Annual Meeting

At a festive reception on Friday, March 31st in the Reagan Building in Washington D.C. CR: A Magazine About People and Progress in Cancer was launched by the American Association for Cancer Research to provide a consumer-friendly magazine for cancer survivors, advocates, doctors, and scientists, working together.  The premier issue of the magazine featured a double cover spread of 16 cancer survivors from 6 year old Mark Criscito to George Ann Garrison who is 71.  Their survival stories are a highlight of the first issue.

Two colorectal cancer patients, Ray Beckler and Kate Murphy, are among the cover “stars.”

Articles in the first issue of CR include The Pathway to Better Care, a review of how clinical trials improve patient outcomes written by deputy editor Jessica Gorman and an essay Loaded Language written by CR Editor Gwen Darien and advocate Musa Mayer.  There are profiles of very special survivors and advocates, and a supportive essay for caregivers in addition to information about current cancer research.

The editorial staff, part of the AACR Survivor and Advocates Program, writes:

CR magazine’s mission is to strengthen collaborations and communications among cancer survivors, patient advocates, physicians and scientists, with the goal of accelerating the prevention and cure of cancer.

CR will provide a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on cancer research advocacy and survivorship.

Some personal reflections on the CR magazine launch party —

What a marvelous time we had at the launch.  All of the survivors on the cover were invited to come to Washington to be part of the evening.  It was great to see friends that I made on that busy and laugh-filled day in New York when our pictures were taken.  It was a bit startling to come into the room and see my picture on a tall, almost life-sized poster. Survivor pictures were everywhere.

When we were introduced as a group, the cameras and camera phones started clicking again.  Once again I had little Mark Criscito snuggled under my hand.  (look for Mark and me on the cover) Seeing Mark again was a highlight of the evening.  He was there with his family,who sought me out so Mark could give me a hug and proudly sign my copy of CR.

Both Mark and I — the little boy and the slightly-more-than-middle-aged lady— are cancer-free today  This disease, for all its pain and sorrow, can be beaten!

Posted by Kate Murphy on April 3rd, 2006
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