Press Room

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.

Health advocates from across Colorado expressed concerns Tuesday morning during a virtual press conference hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) over the impact looming Medicaid cuts and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace will have on Coloradans, specifically cancer patients, and the state’s rural population. 

Today, Colorado advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) delivered over 200 postcards signed by constituents to Rep. Gabe Evans’ district office in Northglenn, urging him to protect Medicaid by opposing any cuts to the program. The postcards highlighted how looming cuts to Medicaid would harm millions of Coloradans, including working families, cancer patients and survivors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans and children.

Volunteer advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commend Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly for including substantial funding for tobacco control and cancer screening programs in the 2025-2026 fiscal year appropriations bill, signed into law Tuesday during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. 

Volunteer advocates, including cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers from across Colorado convened at the state capitol for ‘Cancer Action Day’ Wednesday, an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Volunteer advocates met with lawmakers and discussed supporting access to care and sustaining funding for tobacco prevention and cessation. 

As the Colorado General Assembly convenes for its 75th regular session on Wednesday, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its team of advocates is calling on legislators to support several priorities to improve the prevention, early detection and treatment  of cancer. 

The Denver City Council voted 11-1 Monday evening to end the sale of most flavored tobacco products within city limits. While the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its team of advocates, including cancer survivors and patients, are encouraged by the decision, the legislation includes an exemption for flavored hookah tobacco products which ACS CAN does not support. 

Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., 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. 

Governor Jared Polis signed SB24-124 into law during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday afternoon, ensuring more Colorado patients with private insurance have coverage for biomarker testing. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) recognizes the signing of the bill as a positive first step to increasing access to biomarker testing to connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. During Monday’s ceremony, Governor Polis was surrounded by advocates from ACS CAN including cancer survivors, as well as bill sponsors Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Rep. Anthony Hartsook, and Rep. Monica Duran. 

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the Colorado General Assembly for taking a great first step to increasing access to biomarker testing by passing SB24-124. The bill was met with strong bi-partisan support in both the House and Senate. With the legislative process now complete, the bill now awaits the signature of Governor Jared Polis. If enacted, the policy would help connect more patients diagnosed with cancer or other diseases with the right treatment at the right time through biomarker testing.