BOISE, Idaho – February 12, 2024 – Gov. Brad Little has proclaimed Monday Cancer Action Day in Idaho as dozens of patients, survivors and advocates traveled from all parts of the Gem State to ask lawmakers to prioritize cancer in their policies, specifically making sure health care is affordable and accessible.
The proclamation reads in part: “No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer” and “Awareness is the first step toward advancing health equity, research, and improving funding to identify causes and facilitate prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and a cure for this disease.”
The visit was part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Action Day, an event that brought nearly 40 people affected by cancer together to call on the Idaho Legislature to make cancer policy a priority.
This year, 11,120 Idahoans will be diagnosed with cancer and an estimated 3,200 will die from the disease. Those traveling to the Capitol will work with legislators to change that. Regular visits to healthcare providers and appropriate screenings and diagnostics are a significant factor in early identification and treatment of cancer, improving overall health outcomes and saving lives. But with only 42% of state employers offering health benefits, thousands of Idahoans work hard yet often cannot afford to make health care a priority in their lives. Unquestionably, this means individuals making lower incomes are less likely to survive cancer diagnosis, a reality that should be unacceptable to all, including Idaho legislators who have the power to affect these troubling numbers.
"We are grateful for Gov. Little’s commitment to keep cancer prevention and care at the forefront of the state's policy priorities,” said ACS CAN Government Relations Director Randy Johnson. “By declaring February 12th, 2024 as Cancer Action Day, it means that together we can make sure health care is accessible and affordable and no one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer."
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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.
