It is critical that we stay on offense in the fight against cancer.  We have some of the best research institutions in the world, but unfortunately they do not always receive the funding they need to make scientific advances that could save millions of lives.  As your Congressman I am committed to making sure that this funding is available.  Focusing on prevention through awareness, research, and government oversight over tobacco products will help put us on a path to ending this terrible disease.

Each year I honor a breast cancer survivor from my district who has shown extraordinary dedication to raising awareness for the disease with the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award.  The late Nancy Pilver of Manchester was the inaugural recipient in 1999.  Nancy touched so many lives with her drive, determination, passion, and tireless work for change on both the state and federal level.  Past winners also include Barbara Smith of Windsor (2000), Mim Snyder of Manchester (2001), and Shwana Brathwaite of East Hartford (2003), Judith Melchreit of Wethersfield (2004), and Maria Palomares of Manchester (2006).  I look forward to naming the 2008 recipient of the award soon.

In the 110^th Congress I sponsored or cosponsored the following bills related to cancer prevention and women's health issues:

• H.R.758: Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2008 (passed the House of Representatives on September 25, 2008): This legislation prohibits insurance companies from limiting the hospital stay for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer to less than 48 hours. 
• H.R. 1132: National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (became public law on April 20, 2007):  This bill gives funding to states to promote education and screening for breast and cervical cancer.
• H.R. 1157: Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2008 (became law on October 8, 2008): This bill funds the National Institutes of Health's grants to educational and non-profit organizations for conducting research into the environmental factors that may cause breast cancer.
• H.R. 1014: The HEART for Women Act (passed the House of Representatives on September 25, 2008): This legislation will increase education and screening for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease in women.  It will also enhance efforts to understand disparities in access to care for these conditions.
• H.R. 4054: Prevention Through Affordable Access Act (referred to Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on November 1, 2007): This bill would restore the ability of university health centers and safety net clinics to provide discounted prescription drug prices for college students and low-income women. 
• H.R. 1108: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2008): This bill allows the FDA to regulate tobacco products, including their contents and advertising. 
• H.R. 1553: Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008 (became law on July 29, 2008): This bill provides funding for increased pediatric cancer research as well as for grants that would be used to educate parents on different treatments and the effects of those treatments.

Here is some additional information regarding cancer legislation:

CRS Report:  Cancer Research: Selected Federal Spending and Morbidity and Mortality Statistics

Larson Statement H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patients Protection Act of 2008

Larson Statement recognizing National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month