Here is some information about the ALERT Act, introduced last week by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), as written on www.cancerbill.org:

Since the war on cancer was declared in 1971, we have made great advances in our knowledge about the disease, developing numerous new drugs and treatments that have increased survival and extended the lives of millions of people.   

But it is not nearly enough.

Nearly 1.5 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year – and one in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Half a million Americans lose the battle each year. And while the number of American cancer survivors has risen to 12 million, those surviving cancer must navigate a complex set of healthcare needs while they cope with side effects of treatment, a higher risk of recurrence and second cancers, and late-term effects that can emerge years after their successful treatment. 

Today, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassed only by heart disease. The National Cancer Institute, the government body that funds and conducts cancer research, has predicted that in the next 10 years cancer will take over as the nation’s biggest killer. Read more cancer facts and statistics.

The Kennedy-Hutchison cancer bill will modernize the war on cancer by reinvigorating the country’s commitment to research, prevention, treatment, and quality care for people with cancer. Here are the types of undertakings the bill is expected to include:

• Significantly enhancing research efforts through increased funding to the National Cancer Institute, incentives for private investments in research, and programs encouraging collaboration among government and private researchers;
• Raising participation in clinical trials, which currently stands at only five percent of adults with cancer, even though clinical trials often represent the best treatment options;
• Investing in programs to promote healthy behaviors that are known to decrease cancer risk, such as smoking cessation and healthy nutrition; 
• Improving access to early detection and care, including developing ways to expand access to screening and treatment for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured populations;
• Helping patients navigate the healthcare system and better coordinating their care;
• Addressing a workforce shortage in oncology by encouraging more doctors and nurses to enter the oncology field.

This is exciting!  Don’t you think?

I just got off a LIVESTRONG conference call that was informative and reminded me of how much fun I had at the LIVESTRONG Summit back in July.  It also reminded me of the warm, sunny weather – but that’s another story altogether.  

They are doing great things, and they outlined them all in the call.  Some highlights include an updated and improved LIVESTRONG Notebook (given at no cost to survivors who request one – a great tool), and wellness programs in conjunction with The Wellness Center and local YMCA’s.  

I have been saying for months now how much I would appreciate it if my local gym (RWJ – love you!) had some kind of special post-cancer/post-treatment regime I could subscribe to.  Lord knows I’m trying to lose those 10 (alright, 15) lbs I put on as a result of the steroids, chemo, whatever else they injected me with, and the general sedentary state I was in for six months.  I am so done with everyone telling me to cut myself a break – I want to fit into my PANTS for heaven’s sake.  Is that too much to ask?

Ok, enough wallowing in self-pity.  So the LAF says they are working with The Wellness Centers and choice YMCA’s to develop a 6-12 week program for survivors to get back into shape.  In the words of one of the participating Y’s (the YMCA of Greater Providence):

The goal of the small group series is to help participants build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional abilty. Additional goals include reducing the serverity of side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self-esteem. Finally, participants will develop their own physical fitness programs so they can continue to build a healthy lifestyle.

Personally, I’m jealous that they don’t offer it yet (and won’t in 2009) to a YMCA near me.  When I reentered the workout world back in June, I scheduled a session with a personal trainer who, no offense to him – he probably wasn’t prepared, had no idea what to say to me when I told him I had just finished chemo treatment.  He basically told me to load on another stack of weights, I had a lot of work to do.   Check the LIVESTRONG site to see if there is a participating center near you.  If there isn’t, maybe give them a call or write them a letter and let them know you want them to apply to take part.

Okay, a few more hours of work here at the office before I head back to my spinning class!  Three days a week for the past few months – I hope I see some results soon.  I’ll keep you updated.