NBCC: Breast Cancer Caucus

NBCC sent a letter to each Presidential candidate requesting a video response telling us what he or she would do as President to eradicate breast cancer. We also asked for a written response to NBCC's core issues. Below is Rudy Giuliani's response.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, Rudy Giuliani withdrew his name as a presidential candidate.

Thank you for your letter announcing the launch of your 2008 advocacy campaign, the Breast Cancer Caucus. I look forward to your contributions to the national dialogue over the course of the next 14 months.

As a cancer survivor, I deeply appreciate the work you and your Coalition members do to advance the fight against cancer. No one should face cancer alone, which is why I and all cancer survivors are tremendously grateful for the work the National Breast Cancer Coalition does in the fight against breast cancer. I especially welcome your efforts at public education and advocacy, as I strongly believe that knowledge is one of the best weapons an individual can use in the battle against cancer.

America has led the world in groundbreaking research, which has extended and saved millions of lives from the scourge of cancer. And while the number of cancer survivors has increased from three million 30 years ago to 10 million today, we cannot rest until the phrase, "you have cancer," completely loses its ability to strike terror in any heart.

The goals you have outlined are worthwhile, and a Giuliani administration will fight for them. Increased investment both from government as well as the private and charitable sectors have paved the way for remarkable advances in cancer detection and treatment. We must increase this investment so we can continue to reap future rewards.

This summer, as part of my 12 Commitments to the American People, I laid out the principles by which I believe we can improve America's health care system by building on our nation's strengths. Specifically, I believe:

• Government must encourage innovations in medical technologies, such as advances in medical imaging and other key medical technologies, so that Americans can have access to the latest methods for early diagnosis of cancer.
• Access to the latest anti-cancer drugs must be available for all Americans, by streamlining FDA approval processes while ensuring safety without unnecessary bureaucratic and costly administrative burdens.
• Choice and competition among private insurers for seniors in Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries must be enhanced so that coverage is tailored to what patients want, rather than what government mandates.
• Patients must be empowered with access to information about cancer screening and information about quality of care and outcomes, so that American families can make informed decisions along with their doctors.

Organizations like the National Breast Cancer Coalition play a critical role in highlighting important information about health issues for Americans and our elected leaders, and I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years to come. There is no greater role of government than being responsive to its citizens, and our government must ensure Americans have access to the best possible medical care and encourage, not impede, its development. I thank you for all of the work you are doing.