Joins National Movement to Raise Awareness, Save Lives

LANSING – Today State Senator Bert Johnson (D – Detroit) introduced a Senate bill to establish February 4^th of each year as "Cancer Prevention Day" in Michigan.

"Nearly everyone knows a friend or loved one who has suffered from or lost someone to cancer," Sen. Johnson said. "As with most healthcare issues, raising awareness and increasing prevention is one of the best ways to combat this disease."

In 2010, approximately 55,660 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the state of Michigan. By the end of 2011, the American Cancer Society estimates that 1,596,670 new cases will be diagnosed across the country. And more than 1,500 cancer-related deaths per day are expected throughout this year for a total of about 571,950.

"With this legislation, Michigan will join Virginia as a national leader on cancer awareness," said Sen. Johnson. "The more we know about this indiscriminate killer, the more we can do to help people avoid succumbing to it. Never has this issue been more prevalent or important than today."

The bill was introduced with broad bipartisan support, with 35 of 38 Michigan Senators signing on as cosponsors.

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