"War on Cancer" He Helped Ignite Continues
DALLAS - October 17, 2008 - Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, expresses condolences to the family of our long-time friend and ally - the Honorable Paul G. Rogers, who passed away this week from lung cancer. Rogers, who represented Florida in Congress from 1955 to 1979 and was called "Mr. Health Care" by his colleagues, was the driving force behind the passage of the National Cancer Act of 1971, which launched the nation's "war on cancer."
"Congressman Rogers was a dear friend, who listened to our cause very early on and gave us sound advice and counsel," said Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Long after he left Capitol Hill, he continued to be a leading voice and inspiration in the fight against cancer and the effort to ensure everyone has access to quality health care. He will be missed."
Rogers played a central role in several significant health care initiatives
During Rogers' more than two decades in Congress, he played a central role in several significant health care initiatives in addition to the National Cancer Act, including passage of the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Health Manpower Training Act, the Research on Aging Act, the Emergency Medical Service Act, the Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments, and the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act.
After leaving Congress, he continued to be a forceful advocate for health reform in the non-profit sector. His roles included director of the American Cancer Society, chairman of Research! America, an alliance of organizations that advocates for public health research, honorary chair of the National Coalition on Health Care and a member of CEO Roundtable on Cancer.
