INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contributions to the fight against cancer.
“As a leader in Congress, Dr. Bucshon has repeatedly established himself as a true advocate on issues that help advance innovation in cancer care and treatment, as well as improve patient quality of life,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “By spearheading multiple pieces of legislation intended to reduce the burden of cancer, he continuously demonstrates his role as a champion of ACS CAN’s mission priorities. ACS CAN appreciates his steadfast leadership and clear commitment to public health.”
Dr. Bucshon has sponsored several key pieces of legislation, including serving as the lead Republican sponsor on the Diversifying Investigations Via Equitable Research Studies for Everyone (DIVERSE) Trials Act, which aims to increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials. Patients overwhelmingly want to participate in clinical trials but often face barriers. Ensuring that the trial sponsors can cover associated non-medical costs and tools needed for remote participation will make access to lifesaving clinical trials more equitable and ensure trial participants are more socioeconomically, geographically and racially diverse.
Dr. Bucshon is also the lead Republican sponsor of the Verifying Accurate Leading-Edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act, which would create a modernized and clear oversight process for all diagnostic tests to ensure test accuracy and allow flexibility for innovative new tests to get to market quickly. Cancer patients rely on accurate and clinically valid diagnostic tests to optimize their treatment options, and ACS CAN has long called for harmonizing and modernizing the regulatory framework.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in cancer-related public policy advocacy.
The award was presented on Sept. 13 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. More than 600 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met in person for the first time since 2019 with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs, address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials and help pave the way for access to innovative new multi-cancer early detection technologies.
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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.
