Michelle Zimmerman
Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Lawmakers Called to Invest in Life-Saving Colorectal Cancer Care
As we mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network thanks Gov. Pritzker for prioritizing colorectal cancer control funding in his budget proposal
March 20, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, IL – As we mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) thanks Gov. Pritzker for prioritizing colorectal cancer control funding in his budget proposal and urges legislators to prioritize passing a budget that includes funding to ease the burden of cancer on Illinoisans.
“As lawmakers make their way through the budget process, ACS CAN calls on the legislature to prioritize funding for colorectal cancer screening in the state. ACS CAN is asking that the legislature follow Gov. Pritzker's lead by including $2 million for colorectal and lung cancer screenings,” said Ally Lopshire, ACS CAN, government relations director. “This funding would help more Illinoisans detect and treat colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more effective and less expensive, and support related patient navigation services.”
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Here in Illinois, in 2026, an estimated 6,160 residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,080 will pass away. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screenings. Studies have shown that colonoscopies reduce the number of cases by 40% and mortality by 60%.
“As a colorectal cancer survivor, I can tell you firsthand how critical screenings are. If I hadn’t been screened when I was, I might not be here today,” said Oteria Folie, an Illinois mother, grandmother, wife and survivor. “I urge our state lawmakers to follow the Governor’s lead and allocate additional funds to the colorectal cancer screening program—because these screenings save lives.”
Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer -- regardless of race, ethnicity, income, gender, sexual orientation or zip code. By increasing funding for colorectal cancer screenings, state lawmakers have an opportunity to help save lives and lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’ in the future.”
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