As a Komen Champion, you know there are two critical strategies in the battle against breast cancer: early detection and treatment, and research to find a cure.

Right now, the future of these life-savers is at stake. As Congress debates its 2008 appropriations, lawmakers could actually decrease funding for breast cancer research and early detection.

Write your members of Congress today, urging them to increase funding for the National Cancer Institute.

What's at stake if NCI funding is cut?

How about cutting-edge research that saves lives every year? Our nation's top scientists are on the verge of major breakthroughs in finding innovative ways to treat and detect cancer. But if they're not adequately funded, they won't be able to do the trials and studies that transform their ideas into real, life-saving solutions.

Or what about research aimed at solving the terrible inequity of cancer treatment? Racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, and those with little or no insurance, are less likely to receive quality cancer care and are more likely to die. Researchers are working on overcoming these disparities - but they won't get very far without the resources they need.

And do you remember the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program? Earlier this year, you helped us fight to ensure that more women have access to quality breast and cervical cancer screening. We won the fight, and the program was reauthorized. But it won't save any lives, if it isn't fully funded.

Congress will vote on the 2008 funding levels in the next few weeks. They need to hear from as many of us as possible, right now.

Don't wait to tell Congress to fully fund the National Cancer Institute's vital work.

You've already seen how your voice can make a difference. Take this opportunity today to make sure our lawmakers have no choice but to listen: cancer causes 1 in 4 deaths in America. We cannot afford not to fund its cure.

Thank you, as always, for your commitment.

Diane Balma
Vice President of Public Policy
Susan G. Komen for the Cure