Diablo Valley Oncology Supports Tobacco Tax

PLEASANT HILL, CA (February 8, 2012) – Diablo Valley Oncology (DVO) recently announced its endorsement of the California Cancer Research Act (CCRA)-Proposition 29, a statewide ballot initiative that, if passed, would generate funds for cancer research in the state as well as tobacco prevention and cessation programs through a new a $1-per-pack state tax on cigarettes. DVO joins a coalition of groups -- co-chaired by LIVESTRONG founder Lance Armstrong and former State Senator Don Perata, and including the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Stand Up To Cancer, and others -- working on CCRA, which could direct almost $600 million a year into research on cancer and tobacco-related illnesses.

“Medical research is very expensive,” said Matthew Sirott, MD, an Oncologist and CEO at Diablo Valley Oncology. “The CCRA will provide a much-needed source of funds for researchers working on all types of cigarette related cancers. Plus, the dollars will stay in California.” said Sirott. 

More than 140,000 Californians will be diagnosed with cancer this year – 16 cases every hour – and more than 54,000 will die from it. The goal of the Diablo Valley Oncology is to change those dire odds by accelerating critical cancer research that will get new treatments to patients quickly and save lives.

“The CCRA plan for funding cancer research makes sense,” said Sandy Goldberg, Outreach Manager at DVO, who partners with ACS on community awareness and fundraising events. “DVO will help in every way we can to get the word out to Californians to turn out and vote YES on the California Cancer Research Act.”

California voters will have a chance to vote “YES” on CCRA/Proposition 29 in June, 2012.

About Diablo Valley Oncology

Diablo Valley Oncology is home to the largest single site for cancer treatment in Contra Costa County. Its seven physicians bring together medical oncology; hematology; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; CT/MRI/PET-CT scans and imaging; research; and supportive care all in one convenient location. The group's mission is to provide university quality of care in a private practice setting.