"The American Cancer Society seeks to acknowledge the leadership shown by distinguished public servants in Congress for their actions to tackle the serious health issues facing cancer patients and their families," said Dan Smith, national vice president of federal and state government relations of the American Cancer Society. "The war on cancer will never be successfully won unless the battle is fought on multiple-fronts through research, detection, prevention and legislation. These outstanding public policy leaders hold the promise that all communities and citizens will benefit from an improved quality of health through their legislative efforts."

This year’s recipients of the American Cancer Society’s Public Policy Leadership Award are individuals whose efforts to promote public policies that advance research, prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer have made them champions in the cancer community. U.S. Representative Ken Bentsen (D-TX) and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) have devoted years of public service to leading the fight against cancer and are awarded the American Cancer Society’s 2000 Public Policy Leadership Award.

The American Cancer Society’s Public Policy Achievement Award is given to those individuals whose efforts demonstrate leadership on a legislative issue of high priority to the American Cancer Society. In appreciation for his leadership and persistence in advocating for expansion of clinical trials, U.S. Representative Matt Salmon (R-AZ) will receive the Society’s 2000 Public Policy Achievement Award. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) is also awarded the 2000 Public Policy Achievement Award for his efforts and commitment in advocating for increased funding for cancer registries.

Earlier this year, the Society awarded additional Public Policy Awards to three outstanding leaders in the battle against cancer. Retiring Senators Connie Mack (R-FL) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and retiring U.S. Representative John Porter (R-IL) were all recognized in September for their contributions.

The American Cancer Society has a long-standing history of working collaboratively with Congress and other public health organizations to find responsible legislative solutions to the challenges faced by the millions of Americans confronted with cancer each year.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.