Legislative Action Needed to Reduce Burden of Cancer on Iowans
DES MOINES, Iowa – Statement from Jackie Cale, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Iowa government relations director:
Budget Cuts Threaten Access to Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings
June 18, 2026
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On June 15, California lawmakers adopted a state budget that eliminates $2.98 million in funding for regional contractors in the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. EWC provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services at no cost to uninsured or underinsured Californians. Lawmakers have until the end of the month to negotiate with Gov. Gavin Newsom before the July 1st start of the new fiscal year.
The following is a statement from Ken Wilkerson, senior government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in California:
“We are deeply concerned that these cuts to the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program would dismantle the regional system that helps Californians access lifesaving cancer screenings and follow-up care, while reducing healthcare costs.
“Without this funding, the program could lose patient navigators and community health workers who serve as a lifeline for patients seeking services through EWC. Because they are often part of the communities they serve, they help people overcome language, cultural and logistical barriers, ensuring patients do not fall through the cracks after an abnormal result.
“These trusted guides can make the difference between someone getting screened and someone being diagnosed at a more advanced and deadlier stage. We urge lawmakers and the Governor to restore this funding and ensure that more Californians -- regardless of where they live, the language they speak or their income -- can prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”
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