Yesterday, the final Pennsylvania state budget was passed by the Pennsylvania State Legislature and signed by Governor Shapiro, marking important progress for Pennsylvanians’ ability to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.
In response, Donna Greco, Pennsylvania government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement:
“By continuing to dedicate funds to Pennsylvania’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs as well maintaining level funding for the state’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP), lawmakers have reaffirmed their commitment to cancer prevention and early detection, two of the most effective tools we have in the fight against cancer. These investments mean Pennsylvanians will have the resources to quit tobacco or never start, and more uninsured and underinsured residents will gain access to lifesaving cancer screenings and the treatment that may follow.
“As Big Tobacco targets new generations through e-cigarettes and flavored products, it’s critical that Pennsylvania evolves its prevention efforts year after year. The investments laid out in this budget must ensure that programming addresses these new strategies to addict kids and saddle adults to tobacco-related illnesses. A similar responsiveness is necessary in the shifting landscapes of breast and cervical cancer, especially as we see younger patients diagnosed with breast cancer and vaccine misinformation obstructing cervical cancer prevention efforts. Ensuring access to early detection for both cancers through the BCCEDP will help to mitigate these challenges while protecting individuals and families across the Commonwealth.
“ACS CAN and its community of cancer survivors thank state lawmakers and Governor Shapiro for prioritizing these lifesaving staples of the Commonwealth’s public health infrastructure. Now, we look to the House to build on this work by passing Senate Bill 88 and removing another cost barrier to Pennsylvanian women aiming to detect their breast cancer early.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.