Lung Cancer Alliance Announces Progress in Securing More DOD Funding For Third Year in a Row

$16 million approved in FY2011 Department of Defense Lung Cancer Research Program

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA)  announced that the first and most critical legislative hurdle in securing additional Department of Defense (DOD) funding for lung cancer research has been successfully crossed.   LCA learned that an additional $16 million in lung cancer research funding had been included in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense FY 2011 funding report.  

This is the same Subcommittee that established in FY2009 the first-ever Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP) within DOD's  Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the behest of LCA and provided $20 million in research funding targeting early disease diagnosis and management with special emphasis on high risk military.   Another $15 million was secured in the FY 2010 funding bill.

If the $16 million successfully completes the legislative process, it would bring total lung cancer research funding via this pipeline to $51 million.  Still required are sign-offs from additional House and Senate committees and the signature of the President on the entire DOD bill. But inclusion of lung cancer funding at this stage of the process is a hopeful sign that the program remains strongly endorsed.  

"Increasing research funding and establishing new investigative pipelines was legislative priority number one for LCA", said Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, President and CEO of LCA.

"It is gratifying to see support continue to build and resources continue to grow for patients and survivors as well as our research community.   I thank our congressional leadership for understanding the need and electing to continue support for this life saving program. "

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women and every ethnic group and among our military who are at an increased risk in comparison to their civilian counterparts.  Lung cancer has a 15% 5-year survival rate with the vast majority of cases found late stage.  In addition, 80% of those diagnosed with lung cancer today are former or non-smokers.

"I know personally how important this program is to the lung cancer community -- especially our active duty military and veteran population who are at an elevated risk for lung cancer," said Four Star Admiral T. Joseph Lopez, USN (ret.) who is a member of the LCA Board of Directors and who played a key role in securing the lung cancer program. 

Military personnel have a higher exposure to lung cancer carcinogens and thus are more susceptible than the general public.  The FY2011 language calls for continued research focus on screening and early disease management, especially among high risk military.  The language also calls for stepped up smoking cessation programs within the military.  

"We must move the meter from late stage to earlier intervention – and that is exactly what this research pipeline is best positioned to do," concluded Admiral Lopez.

Lung Cancer Alliance, www.lungcanceralliance.org, is the only organization dedicated exclusively to providing patient support and advocacy for all those either living with or at risk for lung cancer.  Lung Cancer Alliance remains committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering patients, elevating awareness and changing health policy.   

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance

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