Washington, D.C. – February 11, 2020 – American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers will head to Capitol Hill today to ask Congress to act to end deaths from cervical cancer globally. Through dedicating a portion of U.S. global health funding to improve access to preventive vaccinations, screenings and cervical cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), eliminating deaths from cervical cancer can be realized. Cervical cancer is currently the primary cause of cancer-related death among women in 42 LMICs.
Last year the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released a report that takes an in-depth look at the growing burden of cervical cancer in LMICs. The report, which was shared with members of Congress, lays out the leading role the US government could play, in coordination with other international efforts, in ending death from cervical cancer around the world.
The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“No woman has to die from cervical cancer. Tremendous progress has been made in the United States in the fight against this disease over the past 30 years, resulting in cervical cancer death rates dropping by more than 50 percent domestically. In contrast, incidence rates are exponentially higher in other areas around the world, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Today cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women in 42 countries. These high rates of cervical cancer around the globe clearly illustrate the need for timely action.
“ACS CAN is proud to be one of the leading advocacy organizations pushing for US-led investment to end cervical cancer deaths globally. Congress has a significant role to play in the fight against cervical cancer and we hope lawmakers will continue to see the value in this vital campaign.”
ACS CAN is also releasing broadcast quality sound bites and b-roll detailing the urgent need for an increased investment in fighting global cervical cancer. This footage includes:
A broadcast quality version of this content can be downloaded here.
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