Published on November 16, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) formally thanked New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for proclaiming November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month throughout his state.
Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President & CEO, praised the New Mexico Governor and the Legislature for leadership on the critical issue of the increased risk of veterans for lung cancer.
"New Mexico is taking the issue head on by funding one of the only early detection research programs in the country specifically directed at veterans," said Fenton Ambrose.
The proclamation states that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in New Mexico as well as the United States overall, and notes that 70% of cases will be diagnosed at late stage.
And it continues: "in conjunction with the Lung Cancer Alliance, the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services has been a leader in administering the clinical diagnostic detection program funded in the past years by the Legislature that addresses the statistics showing that veterans have a 25% greater chance of getting lung cancer."
"This is an extremely important initiative," said Fenton Ambrose.
Veterans who qualify will receive diagnostic tests at no cost through the research program which is being carried out by Biomoda, Inc. in conjuncture with the NM DVS and NM Tech.
SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance