Statement on Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis

The American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released the following statement on yesterday’s announcement that Alabama’s Gov. Kay Ivey has been diagnosed with lung cancer:

“The American Cancer Society and our volunteers are very concerned to learn Gov. Kay Ivey has been diagnosed with lung cancer but are encouraged that it was found early,” said Ginny Tucker, Alabama executive director of the American Cancer Society (ACS). “Sadly, most lung cancers are first found after they have spread widely and are very hard to cure.”

“In recent years, doctors have found a test that can be used to screen for lung cancer in people at high risk of the disease,” said Tucker. “ACS encourages everyone who qualifies to take advantage of this test since it can help find some cancers early, which can lower the risk of dying from the disease.”

“This year alone, more than 4,000 Alabamians will be diagnosed with lung cancer and nearly 2,770 will die from the disease,” said Ginny Campbell, Alabama government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “These distressing statistics and learning of Gov. Ivey’s cancer diagnosis reinvigorates our efforts to advocate for bold public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expanding access to quality, affordable health care.”

“Our hearts are with Gov. Ivey and her family,” said Campbell. “We will continue to work with lawmakers to pass measures that move us closer to the day when no one has to hear those three scary words, ‘You have cancer.’”

 

American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/fight

American Cancer Society Cancer Acton Network (ACS CAN)

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org