S. 3187 would establish a comprehensive interagency response to reduce lung cancer mortality in a timely manner.
Detailed Summary
Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to implement a comprehensive program to achieve a 50% reduction in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2015. Includes within such program: (1) a strategic review and prioritization of research grants; (2) an expansion of research programs, such as on predispositions to lung cancer; and (3) the expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations.
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to provide incentives for the development of chemoprevention drugs for precancerous conditions of the lung, drugs for targeted therapeutic treatments and vaccines for lung cancer, and new agents to curtail or prevent nicotine addiction.
Provides for compassionate access to drugs, biological products, and devices under the lung cancer mortality reduction program. Requires the Secretary to establish an early disease research and management program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates among minority and low income populations.
Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary in: (1) the development of the lung cancer mortality reduction program under this Act; (2) the implementation of an early detection and disease management research program for military personnel and veterans whose smoking history and exposure to carcinogens during active duty service has increased their risk for lung cancer; and (3) the implementation of coordinated care programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer.
Requires the Secretary to establish a Lung Cancer Advisory Board to monitor the programs established under this Act.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/25/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Janet
June 28, 2008, 11:46am (report abuse)This is a silent killer who can attack anyone whether you smoke or not. It is the number 1 cancer killer. We need to wake up to this deadly disease. As a non-smoker I was shocked to find out that I had late stage primary lung cancer with no warning. We need to stop discriminating against lung cancer.
The Beverly Fund
July 11, 2008, 4:31pm (report abuse)We agree that this is a heinous disease. We encourage everyone to write their Senators or state legislive offices. Check out the Lung Cancer Alliance's website to find out how you can contact your state legislature and help make a difference. http://capwiz.com/lungcanceralliance/home/
Stacy Fleming
July 15, 2008, 3:34pm (report abuse)I just lost a friend to lung cancer. He did not smoke and was only 52. He was one of the most intellegent, funniest, and full of life persons I know. By the time it was diagnosed, he had stage 4 lung cancer. PLEASE pass this bill. His beautiful life was taken by this heinous disease. Let's do all we can to help!!!!!!
LISA ALTMAN
August 5, 2008, 3:10pm (report abuse)THIS BILL DESPERATELY NEEDS TO PASS. I LOST MY SISTER AGE 54 (NONSMOKER), MY BEST FRIEND 43 (SMOKER), MY BEST FRIENDS DAD, MY NEIGHBOR ALL TO LUNG CANCER IN THE PAST 5 YRS. MY SISTER WOKE UP NEW YEARS DAY HER LUNG HAD FILLED WITH FLUID IS HOW SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT HER LUNG CANCER AND PASSED AWAY MARCH 16, THIS YR. EARLY TESTING AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS A MUST FOR CURING LUNG CANCER. MOST LUNG CANCER IS CAUGHT TO LATE IS WHY THE SURVIVOR RATE IS SO LOW. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A TEST FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE BEFORE SYMPTOMS START. LIKE I SAID ONCE LUNG CANCER SYMPTONS START THE CANCER HAS USUALLY TO FAR GONE. PLEASE HELP.