Many important decisions about cancer are made not only in the doctor’s office, but also in our state Capitol, Congress and the White House. Government officials make decisions every day about health issues that affect your life.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is helping to make the fight against cancer a national priority. As volunteers, we take advantage of the opportunity offered by elections to raise the profile of cancer issues and educate candidates and the public. This enables us to better serve families in the fight against this disease.
We sent questionnaires to state Rep. Dr. Yadira Caraveo (D) and state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R) asking about their positions on the importance of increasing funding for cancer research and programs, guaranteeing access to adequate and affordable health coverage and advancing equity in clinical trials for cutting edge cancer treatments.
I urge state Sen. Kirkmeyer to fill out her responses and join the many candidates across the country — including state Rep. Caraveo — who have already gone on the record with their positions on these issues that are critical to this country’s over 18 million cancer survivors and their families.
Candidate responses will help educate both candidates and the public about the importance of making cancer a national priority. Just as importantly, they will enable us to hold the winner, whoever that is, accountable for their commitments to fight cancer.
Stephanie “Kitti” Walkup-Birkhead, Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Brighton
