Newswise — PHILADELPHIA — The American Association for Cancer Research mourns the loss of Arlen Specter, who represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 2011. With his passing, the cancer research and biomedical science community lost one of its greatest supporters and promoters.

During his five terms and 30 years in the U.S. Senate, Specter served as a tireless champion in the fight against cancer and was the driving force behind strengthening America’s leadership in securing sustained funding for cancer research and biomedical science.

Specter was awarded the AACR Centennial Award for Distinguished Public Service at the AACR 100th Annual Meeting in 2009, and the AACR praised him for his leadership and support of increased federal funding for cancer research following the passage of the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009. In 2007, the AACR recognized Specter for his steadfast efforts to make cancer research a national priority during a Centennial Dinner held in Washington, D.C. In 2005, the AACR honored him for his tireless efforts to strengthen the nation’s biomedical research capability with the AACR Public Service Award during the “One World, One Quest Gala,” held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

“The AACR expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Specter family,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research. “For years, Specter was one of the most ardent advocates for increased spending for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which has resulted in countless lives being saved. All of us are indebted to him for his vision and his extraordinary legacy.”

During his tenure in the Senate, Specter served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, which is the subcommittee responsible for allocating funding for the NIH. He served as chairman for 10 of those years, during which time he asserted his status as one of the most influential supporters of cancer and biomedical research.

Specter was the driving force in accomplishing the five-year doubling of the NIH budget, which was completed in 2003. In addition, his courageous support of an amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2008 led to an additional $10.4 billion to support the work of the NIH, including the National Cancer Institute.

“Senator Specter brought a powerful and personal voice to the fight against this terrible disease. His personal strength in battling cancer while carrying on his critical duties in the U.S. Senate was a tribute to his courage and dedication to biomedical research in this country,” Foti added. “His unwavering support has truly made a difference in the lives of millions of cancer survivors, patients and their families across the nation.”

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About the American Association for Cancer ResearchFounded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 17,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes seven peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the scientific partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer.

For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.