Round Rock, TX, Oct 3, 2006 - Representative John Carter (TX-31) today toured the Texas Oncology Cancer Center in Round Rock. During the tour, Carter learned more about the importance of community cancer services for residents of Texas, as well as critical health policy issues affecting care delivery.

“The Round Rock Oncology Center provides invaluable services to Central Texans coping with cancer,” Congressman Carter said. “I understand the devastating impact this disease can have on families, and I support community care centers as a viable option for cancer patients. I remain committed to fighting the ongoing war against cancer, and will support initiatives that will adequately fund federal cancer research, prevention initiatives, expanded access to care, and early detection programs so that we can eliminate cancer as a major health threat.”

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading health concern of Americans. Community-based cancer care is essential for the treatment of cancer in the United States. In fact, 85 percent of cancer patients receive care in community-based settings, which do not require hospital admission.

The President’s Fiscal Year 2007 Budget requested $4.75 billion for the National Cancer Institute. In June, Carter supported House action to fully fund the President’s request for this funding in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill.

Congressman Carter co-sponsored a House-passed resolution to support the goal of eliminating suffering and death due to cancer by the year 2015. He also signed the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Congressional Cancer Promise in support of their commitment to making cancer a top legislative priority.

An estimated 1.4 million Americans will be newly diagnosed with cancer and 564,000 people will die from cancer this year. Currently, more than 10 million Americans are cancer survivors.

Texas Oncology – Round Rock Cancer Center is a part of Texas Oncology, the world’s largest group of medical professionals devoted exclusively to cancer care. With about 20 practicing physicians in Austin and more than 270 statewide, Texas Oncology serves patients at 10 locations including three comprehensive cancer centers in the Austin metropolitan area. Texas Oncology has a total of 95 locations serving patients throughout Texas and New Mexico.