National priority

As someone who has been touched by cancer and as an American Cancer Society volunteer, I believe that investing in cancer research and programs should be a top national priority. That's why I was so disappointed to learn that Congress could cut cancer research funding by as much as $100 million this year.

A cut in cancer funding could lead to delays in the development of new cancer-fighting drugs and treatments, screenings that detect cancer at its earliest stages and programs that improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

A funding cut would mark the first time in more than a decade that the federal government has reduced support for cancer research. In September, 92 senators and 280 members of the House signed a letter supporting the Bush administration's goal to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by the year 2015.

With adequate funding, we can make cancer a disease people live with, rather than die from. Thirty years ago, a cancer diagnosis left many without hope. Today, 10 million Americans are survivors of the disease.

Now Congress has the chance to ensure there is enough money invested in research and programs to allow for far more progress in the future. I urge my Congressional delegation oppose any cuts in cancer research and programs.

Rather than reverse our progress in the war against cancer, Congress should give the gift of hope to cancer patients and their families this holiday season.

Ann Petersen

Kalispell