Kennedy pushed for cancer funding two weeks ago

At a Senate hearing on cancer funding two weeks ago, Senator Edward M. Kennedy said progress had been made against cancer, but more work needed to be done.

"We’ve come a long way in fighting cancer since we passed the National Cancer Act thirty-seven years ago. At the time, cancer was the second leading cause of death in the nation. Americans lived in fear that they or someone they loved would be lost to this dread disease, he said. "Today, we still have that fear, but we’re better equipped for the fight."

Here is what Kennedy had to say, 12 days before he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

"Thank you all for being here on such an important day. I’m standing here with modern day heroes.

Lance Armstrong is a true champion of will and determination. He has changed the way people see cancer patients. He’s crossed the finish line both on the trail as well as medically, beating cancer and taking up the fight on behalf of cancer patients across the country.

I’m also honored to stand here with Dr. Edward Benz of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Hala Moddelmog from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Their work has changed the lives of thousands and their continued commitment to battling this disease inspires scientists around the world. Thank you both for being here today and for testifying this morning in front of the health committee.

I’m proud to be working with Senator Hutchison on a bill that will really tackle the entire spectrum of cancer – starting with research, prevention, access and survivorship.

We’ve come a long way in fighting cancer since we passed the National Cancer Act thirty-seven years ago. At the time, cancer was the second leading cause of death in the nation. Americans lived in fear that they or someone they loved would be lost to this dread disease.

Today, we still have that fear, but we’re better equipped for the fight. It’s a complex disease and it requires comprehensive strategies to fight it – strategies the integrate research, prevention and treatment.

Every new discovery and small advance in medical treatment brings us one step closer to a cure and one step closer to saving the lives of millions of Americans.

For example, we’re entering a new era of personalized medicine. We can look at someone’s genes and cells to tailor therapies that can prevent cancer from occurring and cure cancer if it emerges.

Senator Hutchison and I will be introducing legislation in the coming days to make it clear that we must approach cancer comprehensively and not place emphasis on one type of cancer over another. This bill will renew our efforts to make progress in the battle against cancer, and to give patients and their families a renewed sense of hope."