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Lung Cancer Alliance Announces Additional $12.8 Million in Federal Research Funding For Lung Cancer

Brings total to date to $47.8 million.

Funding approved in FY2011 budget compromise via the Department of Defense Lung Cancer Research Program.

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) announced that its efforts to secure increased federal research funding for lung cancer achieved another victory as an additional $12.8 million was included in the Department of Defense (DOD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) which was part of the FY2011 budget compromise approved by Congress. The President is expected to sign it into law tonight.

The FY2011 budget compromise plan reduces federal agency budgets by $38 billion and averted a government shutdown.

The $12.8 million in research funding is in addition to $35 million secured to date by LCA since it first established the DOD lung cancer research pipeline in 2009 which targets research for early detection with special emphasis on high risk military.

"We are proud to share that to date we have secured $47.8 million for lung cancer research funding via this investigative pipeline," said Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, President and CEO of LCA. This has been the focus of our core mission from day one and we will continue these efforts for patients and survivors as well as our research community. I thank our congressional leadership for understanding the need and electing to continue support for this program. "

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women and every ethnic group and among our military who are at an increased risk in comparison to their civilian counterparts. Lung cancer has a 15% 5-year survival rate with the vast majority of cases found late stage. In addition, 80% of those diagnosed with lung cancer today are former or non-smokers.

Military personnel have a higher exposure to lung cancer carcinogens and thus are more susceptible than the general public. The FY2011 language calls for continued research focus on screening and early disease management, especially among high risk military. For more information go to www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only organization dedicated exclusively to providing patient support and advocacy for all those either living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer remains committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering patients, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Follow Lung Cancer Alliance on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lungcanceralliance.

Contact:
Kay Cofrancesco
kay@lungcanceralliance.org
202-463-2080

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance