HARTFORD, Conn. -- Statistics predict that this year 7,000 Connecticut residents will die from cancer, while 20,000 will be diagnosed with the disease. However, the Connecticut Cancer Partnership says those figures can be lowered by instating certain programs.

Andrew Salner, chairman of the Connecticut Cancer Partnership, said that programs aimed at encouraging residents to quit smoking and get cancer screenings will lower cancer statistics. He is urging the state to set aside about $16 million to heighten cancer prevention throughout the state.

Connecticut resident Nancy Brouillet is a cancer survivor. She told Eyewitness News that she has seen the disease devastate four generations of her family.

"Cancer breaks families. It destroys lives," said Brouillet.

Brouillet testified at the legislative office building to support a bill that would fund programs designed to prevent cancer and provide early detection of the disease.

"Early detection works. It saves money. It saves lives and it keeps families together," said Brouillet.

Salner said that cancer has a significant burden on Connecticut residents.

"It's not fair that I live because I got early detection and good health insurance and the single mother in Hartford who [died] didn't have the same opportunity for care," said Brouillet.

Eyewitness News reporter Aleesha Chaney said that the legislation has to clear several hurdles before it can become a law. She said the committee has to approve funding, both chambers would have to vote on it and the governor would have to sign the bill, a process that could take several months.