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November 3, 2008
Making Cancer a National Priority
Recognizing that cancer is a public health crisis that carries an unsustainable societal and economic burden, this year my fellow Surgeons General and I led the development of the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. The National Call to Action outlines a battle plan to meet specific national goals to improve cancer prevention, recommended screening, early detection, comprehensive care, and survivorship.
Engaging and empowering all Americans and our policymakers to embrace cancer prevention and survivorship as a national priority will save lives, will save money, and will improve the lives of the estimated 12 million Americans living today with cancer.
When we achieve the goals outlined in the National Call to Action, we will help save hundreds of thousands of the 560,000 lives our nation loses to cancer each year, enhance the quality of life for people already affected by cancer, and reduce the $400 billion burden that cancer places on our nation each year.
The National Call to Action is a collaborative effort among people from all sectors of American life. As we continue to call upon all Americans join with us in the fight against cancer, we invite all of our national leaders and policymakers to become active in this fight.
The health of our nation depends on the actions of every person, including our elected leaders.
This is an opportunity for us all to take action. Lend your voice to the fight!
In Good Health,
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS
17th United States Surgeon General (2002-2006)
President, Canyon Ranch Institute
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