SACRAMENTO, CA – The American Cancer Society, California Division, released its 2007 Legislative Scorecard and recognized Assemblymember Mary Hayashi for having a perfect voting record for cancer-related legislation.  The scorecard identified 19 bills and 2 resolutions important to improving access to care, expanding cancer awareness programs, and reducing environmental exposures that lead to cancer. 

The American Cancer Society reported that 54,000 Californians died from cancer related illnesses in 2007.  Fifty percent of all Californians born today will face cancer related illnesses during their lifetime and twenty percent will succumb to the disease.  Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in California.

“The public views cancer as the most important disease government should do something about,” stated Jim Knox, Vice President for Legislative Advocacy.  “Public policy and those who are making it have a key role in helping lower that number.  Our legislative scorecard helps illustrate the legislative progress made this year and gives a good picture of how it was accomplished.”