Kansas City, KS ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today called on lawmakers to commit $5 million annually to the cancer center at the Kansas University Medical Center.

“The doctors, researchers and scientists here are devoted to advancing the cause of medicine, never forgetting the ultimate goal of medicine is to help people,” said Sebelius during a news conference.

“I truly believe this will be a center for cancer research not just for Kansas City, or for the state of Kansas, but for the entire Midwest,” she said.

Lawmakers will consider the proposal as the 2006 legislative session convenes Monday.

KU officials have declared one of the university’s top priorities is obtaining National Cancer Institute designation for the cancer center.

Dr. Roy Jensen is director of the KU Cancer Center and the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute.

“At the KU Cancer Center we are blessed with the support of a growing number of allies and friends,” Jensen said.

“We will continue to reach out to build robust relationships with many other organizations who share our vision and passion. And we will seek the support of private donors who will find in our work a legacy worthy of their investment.”

Nearly half of all Kansans will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes.