Early Detection
NCCC APPLAUDS EXECUTIVE MEMORANDUM TO COVER ROUTINE PATIENT COSTS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Patients to Benefit from Increased Participation in Trials
September, 2000- The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) applauds today's announcement by the Administration that under an Executive Memorandum from President Clinton, Medicare will reimburse for all routine patient care costs for those participating in clinical trials. This action, set to begin immediately, should help significantly increase the number of seniors participating in clinical trials.
"Medicare reimbursement for clinical trials is a tremendous success for all people who are looking cancer straight in the face. Cancer can attack all population groups, from rich to poor, underserved and minorities. The success of opening clinical trials up to all citizens, regardless of their financial status, is an important step toward improving treatment access and access new potential therapies. The NCCC is pleased to be able to help highlight the importance of access to clinical trials, said Mr. Alan Kaye, Executive Director of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC).
NCCC applauds President Clinton and Vice President Gore for this crucial and decisive step toward eradicating cervical cancer, all cancers. Currently, less than three percent of adult cancer patients in the United States are in clinical trials. Without clinical trials, we will never know if some of the stunning research we have seen in the laboratory will have any meaning for human beings - which is of course the goal. Today's action should go a long way toward that end.
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition also thanks Congressional leaders who have been stalwart supporters of legislation to cover clinical trial participation costs for Medicare patients, especially Senators Mack (R-FL), Rockefeller (D-WV), Kennedy (D-MA) and Daschle (D-SD) and Representatives Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Cardin (D-MD), Norwood (R-GA) and Dingell (D-MI). Their strong, unwavering support, helped move this issue forward and was key to its success.
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing women and their caregivers information on cancer issues related to their cervical cancer disease. The NCCC provides a toll free hotline for women battling cervical cancer issues, the quilt project-placing a face on the people battling cervical cancer and education through access, awareness and early detection.
