JEFFERSON CITY, MO. – After the pandemic impacted two years of Cancer Action Days, cancer advocates, survivors and caregivers from across the state traveled to the Capitol in Jefferson City yesterday to meet in person with their elected officials. They let their lawmakers know that they can and must do better to prevent and treat cancer.
“By prioritizing prevention and access to care, we could ensure progress continues to reduce suffering and death from cancer,” said Allison Johnson, ACS CAN volunteer and childhood cancer survivor. As a cancer survivor, I let my lawmakers know that if we’re going to eliminate cancer as a significant health problem in Missouri, this goal must be top of mind at the Capitol.”
Advocates asked Senators not to support action that would put Missouri’s recently expanded Medicaid program back on the ballot. They also asked lawmakers to provide better access to care by funding the state’s Show Me Healthy Women program and using available federal funds for health care coverage through MO Healthnet. Legislators can also reduce cancer incidence by supporting the Governor’s recommendation to increase funding for the state’s tobacco control programs by $2.5 million. All these asks would improve access to care, reduce the burden of cancer on Missourians, and allow cancer patients to continue accessing lifesaving care through Medicaid.
This year, an estimated 37,480 people in Missouri will be diagnosed with cancer and 13,050 residents are expected to die from this devastating disease. Those gathered at the Capitol today are calling on Missouri lawmakers to change this by taking steps to make the fight against cancer a priority.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.