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California
to consider legislation funding Lung Cancer
Research
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-California (LCA-CA),
hailed California Assembly Member Tom
Torlakson (D-11th District) for his
continued leadership in introducing
legislation providing funding for lung
cancer research.
For the third consecutive year, legislation
that would fund lung cancer research is
being considered in the California
Legislature.
"On behalf of the entire lung cancer
community, we thank Assembly Member
Torlakson for his willingness to again step
forward and acknowledge the needs of all
those touched by lung cancer," said
Mike Stevens, LCA-CA Co-chair and
lung cancer survivor.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer
deaths both nationally and in
California. Lung cancer claims
more lives each year than breast, prostate,
and colon cancers -- combined.
In 2008 an estimated 18,060 Californians
will be diagnosed with lung cancer and
13,100 will die from the disease.
Over 70% are diagnosed at late stage
accounting for the low 15% five-year
survival rate.
"AB 89 will provide much needed funding for
lung cancer research while saving our state
billions in tobacco-related health care
costs," said Assembly Member Torlakson.
"This creative solution will help protect
our most precious resources -- our children
and our health."
Assembly Bill 89 (AB 89), introduced today,
imposes an additional $2.10
tax on a pack of cigarettes and will
generate approximately $2 billion
annually that will fund lung cancer
research, tobacco cessation services,
education, children's health care and
general health care.
"In order to address this disease in its
entirety, we must couple tobacco control and
prevention with increased funding for lung
cancer research. AB 89 funds both," said
Stevens.
"LCA-CA will continue to look for every
opportunity to ensure that funding for lung
cancer research is provided for in the state
of California,"
continued Stevens.
"We will continue working with the Bonnie J.
Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and other
public health organizations to meet this
goal."
Lung Cancer Alliance,
www.lungcanceralliance.org,
is the only national non profit organization
dedicated exclusively to patient support and
advocacy for those living with or at risk
for lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to
reversing decades of stigma and neglect by
empowering patients, elevating awareness and
changing health policy.
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