Advocates from across Illinois gathered at the Statehouse today for Cancer Action Day, urging lawmakers to prioritize policies aimed at reducing cancer’s impact. Donning “suits and sneakers,” cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers met with legislators to push for increased funding and prevention efforts. Their requests included $1 million in state funding for colorectal cancer screening and prevention, addressing a disease that claims over 2,000 lives yearly in Illinois alone. Supporters also pressed for equalizing taxes on all tobacco products, a measure they say will discourage youth smoking. Advocates emphasize that with legislative action, Illinois can do better in the fight against cancer.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I know the importance of preventing cancer and improving access to care all too well,” said Maggie Powell, cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer. “In Springfield today, my fellow advocates and I let our lawmakers know that they must do all they can to reduce the toll of cancer on Illinoisans. Illinois can and must do better.”
“Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Here in Illinois, an estimated 6,110 residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,020 will pass away this year,” said Ally Lopshire, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) government relations director “Advocates asked lawmakers to support $1 million in state funding solely dedicated to colorectal cancer screening and prevention to help bring these numbers down.”
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, or ACS CAN, continues its mission to reduce the cancer burden nationwide. Through advocacy efforts, the organization mobilizes volunteers to urge policymakers at every level to prioritize cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Since 2001, ACS CAN has helped secure billions in research funding and promoted measures like expanded healthcare access and effective tobacco control. As the nonpartisan affiliate of the American Cancer Society, ACS CAN emphasizes the need for equal opportunities to survive cancer. People interested in joining advocacy efforts can find more information at fightcancer.org, alongside updates on ongoing campaigns and volunteer opportunities.
