(Beaver, PA) - U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) today signed the American Cancer Society's Congressional Cancer Promise, affirming his commitment to increasing investment in cancer research and improving cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The signing took place at the UPMC / Heritage Valley Health System (HVHS) Cancer Center at The Medical Center in Beaver. Norm Mitri, the President and CEO of HVHS, and Dr. Gerald Medwick, a radiation oncologist at the UPMC/ HVHS Cancer Center, participated in the event and praised Altmire�s commitment to fighting cancer.

"Cancer touches the life of every American, striking millions of Americans nationwide. While great advances in recent years have helped more and more people triumph over cancer, we still have a long way to go before we can declare victory. We must continue to forge ahead and discover new treatments and cures that can help people live longer, healthier lives," Altmire said. "Today, I promise that my words will be followed by action. I will work to ensure we continue investing in new research and improving access to the early detection services that can make a difference between life and death."

Cancer death rates have declined since 2001, making cancer one of the most preventable and increasingly curable life-threatening diseases, if detected early. Investing more in prevention and early detection could cut cancer deaths in half and save billions of dollars in health care costs.