Survivors and Cancer Advocates Ask Lawmakers to Pass Measures to Fight Cancer

Survivors and Cancer Advocates Ask Lawmakers to Pass Measures to Fight Cancer and Save Lives

ALBANY, NY - Volunteers of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are reaching out to their state lawmakers today and tomorrow as part of a Virtual Day at the Capitol. ACS CAN has organized this event to ask lawmakers to maintain critical funding of the Cancer Services Program which provides cancer screenings for the uninsured and the underinsured. Hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers will participate in this event which replaces ACS CAN’s traditional Day at the Capitol, which could not be held due to COVID-19 protections.

Sadly, more than 34,000 New Yorkers will lose their lives to cancer this year and volunteers will stress to lawmakers that with early cancer screenings, we can reduce this grim statistic and save lives.

Sandra Cassese of Woodstock, ACS CAN Board Chair and New York State volunteer said, “Early detection saves lives.  This year more than 117,000 New Yorkers will hear the shocking words ‘You have cancer.’ Hundreds of cancer advocates from across New York State are reaching out to lawmakers today to let them know we are counting on them to protect funding for lifesaving cancer screenings.”

Diane Nathaniel a cancer survivor from Brooklyn said, “I am a survivor of colon cancer thanks to screening. Without the appropriate tests I would not be here for my family, friends and the students I work with as a guidance counselor. Although we cannot travel to the Capitol due to COVID-19, we will still be heard.  We are asking lawmakers to protect funding for these lifesaving cancer screenings.”

Mary Catherine Johnson, a breast cancer survivor from Rochester said, “Early detection is the difference between being a cancer survivor and a cancer statistic. I should know. I am a survivor. That is why it is critically important that the New York State Cancer Services Program funding be preserved.”

ACS CAN Senior New York Government Relations Director Julie Hart said, “Cancer patients and advocates are a strong voice.  Each volunteer has a compelling story that helps lawmakers understand the importance of protecting funding for cancer screenings. With an estimated 17,540 new cases of breast cancer, 930 new cases of cervical cancer, and 8,910 new cases of colorectal cancer in New York this year, we can’t afford to be cutting this life-saving program.

“Thousands of uninsured New Yorkers rely on this program to receive access to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. We know it’s a challenging time but the bottom line is detecting cancer at its earlier, more treatable stage can save lives, and CSP funds are critical to achieving this goal.”

According to the New York State Department of Health, between October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019, the CSP provided cancer screening and/or diagnostic services to 26,398 uninsured/underinsured New Yorkers and conducted:

• 40,105 breast screening services (includes mammograms and clinical breast exams)
• 10,389 cervical screening services (includes Pap tests and HPV tests)
• 6,243 colorectal screening services (includes fecal tests and screening colonoscopies)

About 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.