Press Room

Share

United States Representative Diana DeGette Receives National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Incredible Leadership on Critical Cancer Legislation

Award is Highest Honor Presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

September 23, 2025

CO Volunteers with Rep. DeGette DENVER, COLO. – September 18, 2025 – United States Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) 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 her significant contribution in the fight against cancer and stalwart support for cancer research and funding.
 
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy. 
 
“Over her many years in office, Representative Diana DeGette has shown a tireless dedication to cancer patients and has been a tenacious advocate for expanding access to care. The Representative has been a bold advocate for the federal health care programs that cancer patients across our country rely upon, including aiding in the passage of the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, ” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Representative DeGette has played a critical role in championing the 21st Century Cures Act and as well as the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, indispensable contributions in the fight to improve access to life-saving treatments for cancer patients. Further, the Representative’s longtime commitment to strengthening tobacco control measures, including championing the Tobacco to 21 Act, will help reduce the tobacco-related cancer burden for generations to come. ACS CAN appreciates her steadfast leadership on lifesaving legislation that will help cancer patients and improve public health nationwide.” 

The award was presented as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. More than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to prioritize cancer research and prevention programs, along with other proven cancer-fighting policies, highlighting the real-life impact these investments have on patients, families and communities nationwide.
 

More Press Releases AboutAccess to Health Care, Colorado

Media Contacts

Alex Wiles
Sr. Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Las Vegas, NV
[email protected]
702-807-1076

Related Press Releases

September 15, 2025

Hundreds of Cancer Advocates Gather in D.C. to Urge Congress to Sustain Vital Research and Prevention Funding

As the September 30th government funding deadline nears, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and advocates from every corner of the United States, including Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, are heading to Capitol Hill to make their voices heard. They will ask lawmakers to prioritize cancer research and prevention programs, along with other proven cancer-fighting policies, highlighting the real-life impact these investments have on patients, families and communities nationwide. 

Read More
August 18, 2025

Medicaid Waiver Damaging to Montanans’ Health, Erases Good Work of State Lawmakers

HELENA, Mont. -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) registered strong objections to Montana’s Medicaid 1115 waiver request today in comments filed with the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services. 

Read more
August 14, 2025

Legislation Introduced in NYC Council to Promote Workers’ Access to Cancer Prevention through Paid Time Off for Screening

Earlier today, a new bill was introduced in the New York City Council to improve New Yorkers’ access to cancer screening. Int. #1369-2025 will require all private employers with a staff of five or more to grant employees paid time off—up to five hours annually—for preventative medical care, including doctor-recommend screening, ensuring that fear of wage or job loss does not serve as a barrier to workers’ ability to prevent, detect and ultimately survive cancer.

Read more