Efforts Recognized by American Society for Radiation Oncology

New York, NY – Congressman Charles B. Rangel was praised by The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) for his efforts to protect access to cancer care. Rangel was one of 40 Members of Congress who sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to protest the Medicare’s recent proposal to cut radiation oncology payments by up to 40 percent. 

“Our cancer centers provide the best care in the world to cancer patients and the healthcare law has continued to improve the care that they receive," said Rangel, the sponsor of the Affordable Care Act. "The proposed Medicare cuts to radiation oncology payments would have reversed the progress that we have achieved and would have been unacceptable.”

In a July 2012 survey, ASTRO members concluded that the proposed Medicare cuts would have been devastating to cancer centers around the country. While these cuts would have hit freestanding and community-based centers the hardest, many other cancer centers would have been forced to close, consolidate, or reduce services.

“Rep. Rangel recognizes the far-reaching effects of Medicare’s proposal on cancer patients and their families,” said Laura I. Thevenot, chief executive officer of ASTRO. “Access to high-quality cancer care is essential to improving treatment success and patient survival. Radiation oncologists and their patients greatly appreciate the commitment and leadership of Rep. Rangel and colleagues to protect cancer care.”

Radiation oncologists use targeted radiation to treat cancer patients. These treatments are applied to the cancerous tumors and effectively kill cancer cells without harming the nearby tissues and organs. Advancements in technology and improved techniques have decreased painful effects and dramatically increased survival rates.

"I commend ASTRO for all the work that they do for our country's cancer patients,” Rangel said.  “It is an honor to be recognized by the community of radiation oncologists.  I will continue to work with my Colleagues in Congress to improve cancer patients' access to high-quality care.”

With 10,000 members who specialize in treating cancer patients with radiation therapies, ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world. ASTRO works to improve patient care through education, clinical practice, and advancement of science and advocacy.